i haven't really thought too much about the draft as i had been under the assumption that the Rockets would be trading the pick, but since we're only two weeks away and it feels like there is a stronger chance they keep the pick than I had previously thought, i figured why not dive in a little bit?
IMO, there are 7 guys who will defintely be off the board when the Rockets pick: Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Ace Bailey, VJ Edgecomb, Tre Johnson, Jeremiah Fears, and Kon Knueppel. So I am not even considering them. Amongst the guys that could still be on the board when the Rockets pick, I think I am most intrigued by Noa Essengue, Kasparas Jakucionis, and Khaman Maluach. Essengue and Maluach would help out defensively (I'm especially intrgiued by Essengue as a perimeter defender), while Jackucionis would provide offensive playmaking. After those three, I'm also interested in Cedric Coward, Derik Queen, Carter Bryant, and Egor Demin. At this point, I'd be fine if the Rockets drafted any one of those 7 with the #10 pick.