NBA Draft Mock 1.0: Early pre-lottery projections for all 30 teams

NBA Draft Mock 2nd Pick: Houston Rockets

James Harden’s sullen exit from the Houston Rockets immediately prompted the franchise to go full-rebuild mode, and rightfully so. Despite still having a chance to rack up wins with their roster, the front office was clever to instead pivot on tanking and take their great chances at a potential star in this upcoming draft.

If so, then Gonzaga’s Jalen Suggs will be a heck of a reward. The explosive guard averaged 14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game while shooting 50 percent from the field in his lone season with the Bulldogs. His offensive repertoire is so diverse and coupled with his athleticism, the Rockets may be looking at another potent backcourt weapon alongside the ever-improving Kevin Porter Jr. and Most Improved Player candidate Christian Wood.

Houston likely won’t contend for the foreseeable future, but having Suggs on board in Stephen Silas’ development program and maybe the tutelage of John Wall will be a significant move for the franchise that will look even more special as he burgeons as a young star and as the Rockets trek back to winning in the league down the road.