'My Biggest Asset Is Defense': Should Rockets Consider Jarace Walker At No. 4?
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets will take several leaps under new coach Ime Udoka, but none more significant than defense.
His defensive scheme will help the Rockets rise from 29th in the league to a respectable level in his first season. And by joining a team that has Tari Eason and Jabari Smith Jr., Houston should have a solid defensive year under Udoka in his first season.
But should the Rockets use their No. 4 pick in Thursday's NBA Draft on Jarace Walker, Houston could benefit from adding the local prospect.
"I think my biggest asset is my defense," Walker said. "There is so much talent in the league, and someone has to guard them. With all the talent in the league, it's all about focusing on that end of the floor. I feel like that is what gets people paid and on the floor."
Walker is entering the draft as arguably the top defensive player of his class. He is a top-10 prospect who will likely fall between pick six to eight, but it could be in the Rockets' best interest to take a chance on Walker with the fourth selection due to his fit.
He is a 6-foot-8 forward with a 7-foot wingspan. Walker's defensive versatility allows him to guard positions one through five, and pairing him alongside Eason and Smith could create one of the most prominent defensive frontcourts in the league.
Walker said his defense relies upon his efforts when closing out, limiting opportunities to attack downhill and communicating as the team's defensive anchor. He described his defensive playstyle to Oklahoma City Thunder's Lu Dort.
On the offensive end, Walker does not need the ball to be effective. He can be a player who can help Houston's guards and shooters gain easier shot attempts. He is not a pristine shooter and will not help Houston's floor spacing. But his physical play could give the Rockets a solid scoring option around the rim.
"There are so many other things on the floor I can do," Walker said. "Playing hard is the main thing that keeps me on the floor. Playing hard impacts winning."
Walker will become the first Houston Cougars prospect taken in the top 10 since Hakeem Olajuwon, who the Rockets took No. 1 overall in 1984. He played one season in Houston and averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.3 blocks and 1.0 steals during the 2022-23 season.
He is entering the draft as one of the prime prospects who could receive Defensive Player of the Year honors in the future. And by joining the Rockets, Walker would be on the trajectory of playing under Udoka — who made Marcus Smart A DPOY winner during his lone season at the helm of the Boston Celtics.
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