NBA Mock Draft 5.0: Final first-round predictions before the draft

NBA Mock Draft 23rd Pick: Houston Rockets – Charles Bassey

If Houston indeed goes after Jalen Green instead of Evan Mobley with their second overall pick, it would make a lot of sense for the team to draft a big man who can play next to Christian Wood. While Kelly Olynyk may be a viable option, both players aren’t stable rim protectors, so finding one in the pool of rookies will be better.

Charles Bassey, while projected to be a second-rounder, has enough defensive chops to warrant a second look in the first round. He’s limited offensively, but his strength and solid positioning inside makes him a possibly imposing rim protector. He is a physical rebounder and not afraid to do the dirty work, which should bode well for the young Rockets.