https://www.sbnation.com/nba/2024/5...4-atlanta-hawks-wizards-rockets-after-lottery 3. Houston Rockets - Rob Dillingham, G, Kentucky Dillingham is an impossibly shifty shot creator for himself and others thanks to his deep shooting range, soft touch, and tremendous vision as a passer. The 6’2 guard has the best handle in the class with the ability to link dribble-crossovers, change direction, and get off a good look at the rim against bigger defenders. He’s the rare guard prospect whose shooting ability feels equally dangerous off the dribble and off the catch: Dillingham can punish unders with deep pull-ups, and also has a fantastic feel for relocating around the three-point line to knock down spot-ups. Dillingham’s scoring is so dangerous that it often lulls defenders into forgetting about his excellent playmaking ability. He can throw a well-placed lob for a big man or whip a pass to a corner shooter when defenses key in on stopping him. So what’s the catch? The NBA doesn’t have much love for smaller guards these days, and Dillingham’s thin frame will make him a target on the defensive end and cause problems for him as a finisher. He can also get a little wild with his shot selection, though he played much more under control than originally anticipated when he arrived at Kentucky. If a guard like Darius Garland can succeed in the NBA, Dillingham can, too. https://theathletic.com/live-blogs/nba-draft-lottery-2024-live-updates-results/EniwckALxK7w/ Rockets open for business after unexpected jump to No. 3 Well, well, well. When the Houston Rockets traded James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets in 2020, there was an aim to stockpile assets to hopefully turn into something tangible down the road. There’s no way that the basketball gods could have predicted this franchise jumping from No. 9 (the most likely outcome) to No. 3. For an organization that has made it clear that they are turning the page towards winning basketball, fresh off a 41-41 season, the Rockets are now considered open for business. A top-3 pick is quite the attractive piece on the market, even in draft class without a blue-chip prospect. Expect general manger Rafael Stone to be extremely aggressive between now and late June. https://ftw.usatoday.com/lists/nba-mock-draft-pistons-wizards-hornets-spurs-blazers-projections 3. Reed Sheppard He didn’t have an ideal end of his collegiate tenure at Kentucky, but that shouldn’t impact the draft stock for Reed Sheppard. The USBWA and NABC Freshman of the Year had one of the most impressive statistical campaigns of any first-year guard in college basketball in recent memory. Sheppard can create value for himself in a variety of ways in the NBA, even for a team that has a crowded rotation like the Rockets.
I think Ime would draft Clingan We have the perimeter defenders now we need that anchor in the middle
I'm talking about the future. After us keeping our pick, now this..Wow..OKC has been ahead of us timeline wise...The Thunder have a lot of talent on the court, plus all those late first rounders. But, we have youngins that are going to mature into studs...and, serious assets to improve... I mean, we're probably going to win 50 games next year. OKC is obviously ahead of us now, but the gap will close. And, today will play a large role in that. Again, I don't see us making this pick. It gets dealt for a star.
Dealing with Clingan with the reserve unit would be an absolute headache. He can also be run with Sengun for a Gobert/KAT sort of lineup. Sheppard/Clingan are the choices here if we don't trade the pick. Also you can sit him with Steven Adams now to learn. This is a potential *reserve* lineup for the Rockets. Amen/Cam/Tari/Jabari/Clingan. He's a monster on defense. The Spurs could potentially draft him and create the most terrifying twin towers since Hakeem/Ralph.
I don't think they will use this pick. I dont see anyone who would go top 3 that really fits what they need. My guess is it becomes a trade piece either for another player or to move back for a team that wants to move up. I like Sheppard, I just don't think he'll go top 3. Maybe move back and pick him up later...
Clingan cannot really guard smaller/faster people. He also cannot shoot 3pt. I don't see the Marc Gasol/Gobert ceiling. I see a Brook Lopez ceiling at best and that will be by year 5. I don't think he fits next to Wemby or Sengun. Clingan needs to be on a team with offensive dominant wings/guards not PF/C.
Everyone keeps saying they will trade, but I don't see trade target that fits the team either or moves the needle. They need shooting and all the good shooters would either be cheaper than #3 and have weaknesses, or be way more expensive than a #3 and probably not even on the market.
https://africa.espn.com/nba/insider...ck-draft-projecting-all-58-picks-post-lottery 3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets) Reed Sheppard Kentucky PG/SG Age: 19.8 The Rockets turned the page on their rebuild by hiring coach Ime Udoka and making a splash in free agency last summer. Houston could look at plug-and-play options with this pick considering the youthful roster construction. Shooting will likely be a priority this summer, and the dynamic shot-making versatility of Sheppard -- who made over 50% of his 3s this season -- could be attractive with this pick, along with his feel for the game and defensive instincts. Expect Donovan Clingan to get a look here as well if the front office feels he can play heavy minutes alongside Alperen Sengun in a multi-big men lineups. -- Jonathan Givony https://sports.yahoo.com/2024-nba-m...eam-with-lottery-order-now-set-195807813.html 3. Houston Rockets: C Donovan Clingan Ht./Wt.: 7-2, 280 pounds | Class: Sophomore | UConn The Rockets have invested heavily in guard play the last few drafts with Jalen Green and Amen Thompson last year. Adding Clingan to anchor the defense could bring some added size to bang with the talented centers in the Western Conference. Clingan dealt with injuries all season long, but he was at full strength during the postseason and helped lead UConn to back-to-back titles. The 7-2 center held his own against 7-4 Zach Edey, the most dominant player in college basketball, and solidified himself as the next big off the board after Sarr. In a tournament win over Northwestern, Clingan flirted with a triple-double, finishing with 14 points, 14 rebounds and eight blocks in 27 minutes. He moves well laterally for his size and has the footwork to defend the pick-and-roll and recover to the block. Spoiler: Full ESPN mock 1. Atlanta Hawks: Alex Sarr | Perth | PF/C | Age: 19.0 The Hawks caught lightning in a bottle in Sunday's lottery, converting on just a 3% chance to win (10th-best odds) the top pick. Suffice it to say this is a major stroke of fortune for Atlanta, which doesn't control its own first-round pick until 2028, owing future picks and swaps to the San Antonio Spurs. This had been viewed as an offseason of potentially big changes for Atlanta, as the Hawks weigh the luxury tax and attempt to navigate their way out of the middle of the Eastern Conference standings. Now they'll unexpectedly have a chance to pick who they want from atop the draft. Coming off a solid year in the NBL, Sarr is the most physically gifted big in this class, and could give Atlanta a much-needed element of size and floor spacing from the frontcourt. He'll have work to do in expanding his offensive game, sharpening his 3-point range, and adjusting to the speed of the NBA, but could be quite valuable as someone who can stretch the floor and protect the rim at both the 4 and 5 spots. If the goal is to build a better defense around Trae Young, Sarr looks like a strong fit due to his versatility on both ends of the floor. -- Jeremy Woo 2. Washington Wizards: Zaccharie Risacher | Bourg | SF | Age: 19.0 The Wizards' front office can afford to take a big swing at the top of the draft as they enter Year 2 of what figures to be a patient, long-term rebuild. Washington's roster remains fluid into the future, and they should be looking for the best talent available at this spot. Risacher's potential to space the floor, defend at a high level and develop into a quality starter on the wing presents an attractive mix of safety and upside at No. 2. Washington selected another Frenchman, Bilal Coulibaly, in last year's lottery, and will have an opportunity to keep that trend going, with at least one of Risacher and Sarr available to them here. -- Woo 3. Houston Rockets (via Brooklyn Nets) : Reed Sheppard | Kentucky | PG/SG | Age: 19.8 4. San Antonio Spurs: Rob Dillingham | Kentucky | PG | Age: 19.3 5. Detroit Pistons: Matas Buzelis | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.5 6. Charlotte Hornets: Donovan Clingan | UConn | C | Age: 20.2 7. Portland Trail Blazers: Nikola Topic | Mega MIS | PG | Age: 18.7 8. San Antonio Spurs: Dalton Knecht | Tennessee | SF | Age: 23.0 9. Memphis Grizzlies: Stephon Castle | UConn | PG/SG | Age: 19.5 10. Utah Jazz: Ron Holland | G League Ignite | SF | Age: 18.8 11. Chicago Bulls: Isaiah Collier | USC | PG | Age: 19.5 12. Oklahoma City Thunder (via Houston Rockets) : Cody Williams | Colorado | SG/SF | Age: 19.4 13. Sacramento Kings: Ja'Kobe Walter | Baylor | SG/SF | Age: 19.6 14. Portland Trail Blazers (via Golden State Warriors) : Tidjane Salaun | Cholet | PF | Age: 18.7 15. Miami Heat: Zach Edey | Purdue | C | Age: 21.9 16. Philadelphia 76ers: Devin Carter | Providence | PG/SG | Age: 22.1 17. Los Angeles Lakers*: Jared McCain | Duke | PG | Age: 20.2 18. Orlando Magic: Tristan da Silva | Colorado | SF/PF | Age: 22.9 19. Toronto Raptors (via Indiana Pacers) : Kyle Filipowski | Duke | PF/C | Age: 20.5 20. Cleveland Cavaliers: Tyler Smith | G League Ignite | SF/PF | Age: 19.5 21. New Orleans Pelicans (via Milwaukee Bucks) : Yves Missi | Baylor | C | Age: 19.9 22. Phoenix Suns: Bobi Klintman | Cairns | SF/PF | Age: 21.1 23. Milwaukee Bucks (via New Orleans Pelicans) : Johnny Furphy | Kansas | SG/SF | Age: 19.4 24. New York Knicks (via Dallas Mavericks) : Kyshawn George | Miami | SG/SF | Age: 20.4 25. New York Knicks: Carlton Carrington | Pittsburgh | PG/SG | Age: 18.8 26. Washington Wizards (via LA Clippers) : Justin Edwards | Kentucky | SG/SF | Age: 20.3 27. Minnesota Timberwolves: Kel'el Ware | Indiana | C | Age: 20.0 28. Denver Nuggets: Tyler Kolek | Marquette | PG | Age: 23.1 29. Utah Jazz (via Oklahoma City Thunder) : Kevin McCullar Jr. | Kansas | SF | Age: 23.1 30. Boston Celtics: Juan Nunez | Ratiopharm Ulm | PG | Age: 19.9 SECOND ROUND 31. Toronto Raptors (via Detroit Pistons) : Ryan Dunn | Virginia | SF | Age: 21.3 32. Utah Jazz (via Washington Wizards) : Jaylon Tyson | California | SG/SF | Age: 21.4 33. Portland Trail Blazers (via Charlotte Hornets) : Terrence Shannon Jr. | Illinois | SG/SF | Age: 23.7 34. Milwaukee Bucks (via Portland Trail Blazers) : Harrison Ingram | North Carolina | SF/PF | Age: 21.4 35. San Antonio Spurs : Payton Sandfort | Iowa | SF | Age: 21.8 36. Indiana Pacers (via Toronto Raptors) : Cam Christie | Minnesota | SG | Age: 18.7 37. Minnesota Timberwolves (via Memphis Grizzlies) : Dillon Jones | Weber State | SF/PF | Age: 22.5 38. New York Knicks (via Utah Jazz) : Izan Almansa | G League Ignite | PF/C | Age: 18.8 39. Memphis Grizzlies (via Brooklyn Nets) : Baylor Scheierman | Creighton | SG/SF | Age: 23.6 40. Portland Trail Blazers (via Atlanta Hawks): Ulrich Chomche | NBA Academy Showcase | C | Age: 18.3 41. Philadelphia 76ers (via Chicago Bulls) : Pacome Dadiet | Ratiopharm Ulm | SG/SF | Age: 18.7 42. Charlotte Hornets (via Houston Rockets) : Alex Karaban | UConn | PF | Age: 21.4 43. Miami Heat: Melvin Ajinca | Saint Quentin | SG/SF | Age: 19.8 44. Houston Rockets (via Golden State Warriors) : Trevon Brazile | Arkansas | PF/C | Age: 21.3 45. Sacramento Kings: Keshad Johnson | Arizona | PF | Age: 22.8 46. LA Clippers (via Indiana Pacers) : Pelle Larsson | Arizona | SG | Age: 23.2 47. Orlando Magic: KJ Simpson | Colorado | PG | Age: 21.7 48. San Antonio Spurs (via Los Angeles Lakers) : Hunter Sallis | Wake Forest | SG | Age: 21.1 49. Indiana Pacers (via Cleveland Cavaliers) : Adem Bona | UCLA | C | Age: 21.1 50. Indiana Pacers (via New Orleans Pelicans) : DaRon Holmes II | Dayton | PF/C | Age: 21.7 51. Washington Wizards (via Phoenix Suns) : Ajay Mitchell | UC Santa Barbara | PG | Age: 21.8 52. Golden State Warriors (via Milwaukee Bucks) : Jaxson Robinson | BYU | SG/SF | Age: 21.4 53. Detroit Pistons (via New York Knicks) : Nikola Durisic | Mega MIS | SG/SF | Age: 20.2 54. Boston Celtics (via Dallas Mavericks) : Jaylen Wells | Washington St. | SG/SF | Age: 20.7 55. Los Angeles Lakers (via LA Clippers) : Jamal Shead | Houston | PG | Age: 21.7 56. Denver Nuggets (via Minnesota Timberwolves) : Jalen Bridges | Baylor | SF | Age: 22.9 57. Memphis Grizzlies (via Oklahoma City Thunder) : Ariel Hukporti | Melbourne | C | Age: 22.0 58. Dallas Mavericks (via Boston Celtics) : Cam Spencer | UConn | SG | Age: 24.0 Note: The Philadelphia 76ers and Phoenix Suns forfeited a 2024 second-round draft pick.
It would make a lot of sense to trade back a few spots and get a future 1st back. I don’t see a clear favorite behind Sarr, between 2-8
Most mocks are all over the place. Several have Topic as a top-2 pick. It speaks to the fact there's really no consensus in this draft other than maybe Sarr as the #1. Dillingham usually isn't in the top-3, but I've seen a few mocks that put him that high.
If you get a chance to add a shooter who might end up in Stephen Curry's stratosphere...please do it.
It should be Clingan or trade the pick honestly. We have Adams for one year at least. Use him to help develop Clingan.
