No... While I hope the Rockets retained or attain a 2026 second rounder, I think the Rockets will do well to miss this draft. I think it's been underestimated how hard it is to develop so many young players at once.
I’ve been to 2 of these. Last year, which was meh with the fam. And one pre-kids with the boys which was historic and epic - the Toyota draft night we traded Rudy Gay for Shane Battier lololol. The place went crazy! Mixed reactions but everyone was shocked.
If we can get Walter Clayton in late first or early second I’d take that if possible lol. I think he’ll be a baller.
The Rockets will likely get into this draft in my opinion. May be a larger deal, or a simple purchase, but I think the Rockets want to have some stash players. I think Tilman may be tired of hearing how he cheaped out in 2017-2018 when he had a contender (which is true) and decides to spend a little money. He may even be on the hunt to recoup some of those future 2nd rounders as well.
If I was Stone I would reload some of my bullets between this draft and next year by buying picks. Its the only way to be aggressive in trades while keeping young talent. Specially since Durant has a small window with us. We have no time to lose.