Even though the Houston Rockets failed to make the playoffs this year, the improvement they’ve shown from being a bottom dweller has certainly impressed everyone. As it stands, the front office may either shop their third pick in the 2024 NBA Draft or select big man Donovan Clingan and develop him.
Clingan first made waves when he played two seasons for the UConn Huskies from 2022 to 2024. During that span, the big man helped his team win back-to-back NCAA titles by averaging 9.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game. He also connected 63 percent of his shots from the field, 25 percent from downtown, and 58 percent from the free throw line.
For their part, the Rockets have taken a step forward during the regular season by winning 41 games and losing 41 contests. Their hiring of Ime Udoka as head coach, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks added an identity to Space City, especially after James Harden left the franchise years ago.
Apart from these additions, both big man Alperen Sengun and shooting guard Jalen Green took significant strides in their development. The former has shown flashes of Denver Nuggets big man Nikola Jokic, while the latter exhibited expertise when it comes to scoring.
Houston Rockets Projected To Either Select UConn Donovan Clingan or Trade the Third Pick in the 2024 NBA Draft
After the lottery, the Rockets ended up with the third pick with Clingan projected to fall to that spot. In an article written by Michael Sotto for Hoops Hype, Houston is leaning more to trading their pick in the draft.
“The No. 3 pick – one of five potential first-round picks the Rockets can trade this offseason in a package to land a star player – will be discussed in trade talks leading up to draft night, league sources told HoopsHype.
It’s worth noting the Rockets have already been linked as a potential suitor for Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell and previously tried to acquire Brooklyn Nets swingman Mikal Bridges at the trade deadline.
While Houston may select Donovan Clingan, as the aggregate mock poll shows, it could be for another team,” Sotto wrote.
Trading the pick for a proven star or a collection of assets makes more sense for Houston, rather than developing and integrating another rookie into their core. As it stands, they have an intriguing lineup that boasts a mix of veterans and young stars for next season.
It remains to be seen what Houston will do before the Draft. In any case, a lot of teams will surely express their interest in the pick their holding right now.
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