The Houston Rockets have the third pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.
You had yet to hear? It’s puzzling that you’ve found your way to SpaceCityScoop. The Rockets’ lottery luck is the talk of the town.
Believe it or not, this isn’t the only pick the Rockets have in the draft. They’re also slated to pick 44th. Why isn’t this pick getting any buzz?
We’re joking. Second-round picks are not sexy. The Rockets may trade this pick for cash considerations. It’s not on the radar of your casual Rockets fan.
We’re not casual fans here at SpaceCity. We’re diehards. We think the Rockets have some intriguing options in the second round.
Here are five prospects we think the Rockets should look at.
Adem Bona, F/C, UCLA
The Rockets like Turkish big men, right?
Realistically, that’s the only similarity that Bona shares with Alperen Sengun. He’s almost Sengun’s inverse. Bona has generally struggled with the ball in his hands. What’s his appeal?
Defense. Bona looks like one of the most switchable big men in this draft. At 6’10” and 245 pounds with quick feet and long arms, Bona had shades of Bam Adebayo – without the offensive ability, that is.
In other words, he could be a perfect backup for Sengun. Bona can slide into any frontcourt spot and guard his assignment. If he can develop a semblance of an offensive game, Bona could be a steal in the second round.
Nikola Durisic, G/F, Mega MIS
This draft is generally seen as a weak one. Given that fact, teams will take wild swings. It wouldn’t be surprising if Durisic came off the board in the first round.
After all, he’s an intriguing prospect. This is a 6’7″ wing who can shoot and handle the ball. Why isn’t he viewed as a lottery pick?
It was an up and down performance for Nikola Durisic in his first game of the ABA season. He couldn't get his shot going (3-10 FG, 0-5 3FG). Still, he was a valuable contributor. He got to the line 10 times and displayed his ability to create shots for others w/ 5 assists. pic.twitter.com/NUGbYEflKu
— Maxwell Baumbach (@BaumBoards) October 11, 2022
Well, “can shoot” may be a bit generous. Durisic shot 33.0% from deep last year, and 22.2% the year prior. Coupled with limited athleticism, Durisic may not have much of an NBA role if he can’t improve on his jumper.
He’s still worth a swing in the second round. Durisic has solid passing instincts as well. If his shot does round into form, he could be a prototypical point forward in the NBA.
DaRon Holmes II, F/C, Dayton
Holmes is a similar player to Bona. His main appeal as a prospect is his ability to switch on the defensive end. Holmes also has a relentless motor – the next time he quits on a play will be the first time.
Moreover, Holmes II has a little more juice in his offensive game than Bona. He thrives as a short-roll passer. Holmes will be a non-shooting big man in the NBA, but he shouldn’t be a liability on either end of the floor.
Sure, he only measures 6’9″. With a 7’0″ wingspan, that shouldn’t be an issue. Holmes II has plenty of potential to be one of this class’s steals.
That’s exactly why we doubt he’ll be available at 44. Someone is likely to scoop up Holmes II before the Rockets are making their choice at 44. If they haven’t, he’d be a perfect addition to this roster.
Aday Mara, C, UCLA
We’re looking at a lot of big men here. Still, don’t group them. Mara is a vastly different player than either Holmes II or Bona.
Solid showing last night from UCLA Bruins freshman big man Aday Mara.
The 7'3" freshman has the tools to be an intriguing talent in the middle with serious offensive upside and shot blocking ability.
Finished with 14 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST & 4 BLK in 24 MIN on 6/9 Shooting. Big… pic.twitter.com/qmnrr9MR3h
— No Ceilings (@NoCeilingsNBA) November 16, 2023
This is not a switch big – Mara is 7’3″. He should thrive as a deep drop rim protector, but questions about his ability to defend in space have recently been keeping him off big boards altogether.
That’s fair. Mara can’t defend in space. He can’t shoot either. He’ll be a project. It wouldn’t be shocking if Mara didn’t hear his name called at all in this draft.
At the same time, he’s a pure upside swing. Mara is an exceptional passer for his position. At one point in this draft cycle, he was regarded as a lottery pick. The Rockets could make a bold move by taking him in the second round instead.
Jamal Shead, G, Houston
Finally, we’ve got a hometown hero.
Shead was born in Austin, Texas. He just clued up a season with the Cougars. Why not keep him in the Houston area?
Granted, that’s not a reason to draft somebody. Luckily, Shead would easily justify a second-round selection. He’s a sturdy point guard who can manage the game.
His 6’1″ frame will scare off some suitors. Still, Shead is strong and stoud. He also plays with a lot of effort on the defensive end. His height may keep him out of starting lineups, but it won’t keep him out of NBA rotations.
Why not pick up a potentially solid rotation guard who’d likely be happy to spend his career with the Rockets? That would be tremendous value for the 44th pick:
It’s not the third pick, after all.
