The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference Southwest Division. The team plays its home games at the Toyota Center, located in downtown Houston. The Rockets have won two NBA championships (1994 and 1995) and four Western Conference titles (1981, 1986, 1994 and 1995). Some of their notable players include Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
History: The NBA draft is an annual event dating back to 1947 in which the teams from the NBA can draft players who are eligible and wish to join the league. Historically, the vast majority of players drafted are college players, but some international players and high school players have also been selected. The draft usually takes place near the end of June, during the NBA offseason. Since 1989, the draft has consisted of two rounds, with 60 players selected in each draft. The order of the draft is determined by a combination of lottery, regular season record, and trades.
The Houston Rockets had four picks in the 2023 NBA draft:
No. 4 overall: Amen Thompson, PG, Overtime Elite
Thompson is a 6-foot-3 point guard who played for Overtime Elite, a new professional league for high school prospects. He is a dynamic playmaker who can score from all three levels and create for his teammates. He has great athleticism, speed, and vision, but needs to improve his defense and decision-making. He is expected to be an immediate contributor for the Rockets as they rebuild their roster.
No. 20 overall: Cam Whitmore, SF, Villanova
Whitmore is a 6-foot-7 small forward who played one year at Villanova. He is a versatile wing who can defend multiple positions and shoot the three-pointer. He has a high motor, a strong frame, and a good basketball IQ, but needs to work on his ball-handling and passing skills. He is projected to be a solid role player for the Rockets who can provide energy and spacing.
No. 34 overall: Jordan Walsh, SF/PF, Arkansas
Walsh is a 6-foot-8 forward who played one year at Arkansas. He is a skilled scorer who can finish at the rim, shoot from mid-range, and stretch the floor with his three-point shot. He has good size, length, and athleticism, but needs to improve his defense, rebounding, and consistency. He is seen as a potential steal for the Rockets who can add some offensive firepower to their bench.
No. 50 overall: Keyontae Johnson, SG/SF, Kansas State
Johnson is a 6-foot-5 swingman who played four years at Kansas State. He is a defensive specialist who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his quick hands and feet. He has a strong body, a high work ethic, and a good attitude, but needs to develop his offensive game, especially his shooting and ball-handling. He is viewed as a long-term project for the Rockets who can bring some toughness and leadership to their locker room.
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The Houston Rockets have had some impressive draft picks in the last five years, especially in the first round. Here are their top five draft picks by year and overall selection, along with some brief information about each player:
2023: Amen Thompson, PG, Overtime Elite (No. 4 overall)
Thompson is a 6-foot-3 point guard who played for Overtime Elite, a new professional league for high school prospects. He is a dynamic playmaker who can score from all three levels and create for his teammates. He has great athleticism, speed, and vision, but needs to improve his defense and decision-making. He is expected to be an immediate contributor for the Rockets as they rebuild their roster
2022: Jabari Smith, PF, Auburn (No. 3 overall)
Smith is a 6-foot-10 power forward who played one year at Auburn. He is a versatile big man who can shoot the three-pointer, handle the ball, and protect the rim. He has a smooth stroke, a high IQ, and a good motor, but needs to add strength and consistency. He is projected to be a star for the Rockets who can fit well with their young core
2021: Jalen Green, SG, G League Ignite (No. 2 overall)
Green is a 6-foot-6 shooting guard who played for the G League Ignite, a developmental team for elite prospects. He is an explosive scorer who can attack the basket, shoot from deep, and finish above the rim. He has elite athleticism, confidence, and flair, but needs to improve his defense, playmaking, and efficiency. He is seen as a potential franchise player for the Rockets who can electrify the fans
2018: De’Anthony Melton, USC (No. 46 overall)
Melton is a 6-foot-4 guard who played one year at USC. He is a defensive specialist who can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his quick hands and feet. He has a strong body, a high work ethic, and a good attitude, but needs to develop his offensive game, especially his shooting and ball-handling. He was traded to the Phoenix Suns on draft night and later signed with the Memphis Grizzlies
2017: Isaiah Hartenstein, C/PF (No. 43 overall)
Hartenstein is a 7-foot center/power forward who was born in Oregon but grew up in Germany. He is a skilled big man who can pass, shoot, and rebound. He has good mobility, length, and touch, but needs to improve his strength, defense, and consistency. He played sparingly for the Rockets before being waived in 2020. He then played for the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
ALSO READ: Detroit Pistons Draft Picks 2023: Complete Round-by-Round List of NBA Pistons
FAQs
Q: Who are the Houston Rockets?
A: The Houston Rockets are an American professional basketball team based in Houston, Texas. The Rockets compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the Western Conference Southwest Division. The team plays its home games at the Toyota Center, located in downtown Houston. The Rockets have won two NBA championships (1994 and 1995) and four Western Conference titles (1981, 1986, 1994 and 1995). Some of their notable players include Hakeem Olajuwon, Yao Ming, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook.
Q: How many picks did the Houston Rockets have in the 2023 NBA draft?
A: The Houston Rockets had four picks in the 2023 NBA draft: two in the first round and two in the second round. Their first-round picks were No. 4 and No. 20 overall, while their second-round picks were No. 34 and No. 50 overall.
Q: Who did the Houston Rockets select with their 2023 NBA draft picks?
A: The Houston Rockets selected four players with their 2023 NBA draft picks: Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore, Jordan Walsh, and Keyontae Johnson. Thompson is a point guard who played for Overtime Elite, a new professional league for high school prospects. Whitmore is a small forward who played one year at Villanova. Walsh is a forward who played one year at Arkansas. Johnson is a swingman who played four years at Kansas State.
Q: How will the Houston Rockets’ 2023 NBA draft picks fit with their current roster?
A: The Houston Rockets’ 2023 NBA draft picks will add some talent, depth, and potential to their young and rebuilding roster. Thompson will join Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. as part of a dynamic backcourt that can score and create for others. Whitmore will provide some versatility, defense, and shooting on the wing, complementing Jae’Sean Tate and KJ Martin Jr. Walsh will bring some scoring punch and floor spacing to the frontcourt, alongside Christian Wood and Alperen Sengun. Johnson will be a defensive specialist who can guard multiple positions and bring some toughness and leadership to the locker room.
