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NBA Mock Draft: Wolves take Minn native, Rockets get lucky

By Dylan Jackson

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - APRIL 05: Jalen Suggs #1 of the Gonzaga Bulldogs reacts during the second half in the National Championship game of the 2021 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament against the Baylor Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 05, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans, NBA Mock Draft Prospect. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 30: Evan Mobley #4 of the USC Trojans, NBA Mock Draft Prospect. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Houston Rockets. Evan Mobley. 2. player. 169. . Center

The Houston Rockets do, in fact, need a lot this offseason. They were the worst team in the NBA by three games (wide margin), and had one of the worst losing streaks among all NBA teams this past year.

NBA Mock Draft: Rockets take Evan Mobley

The Rockets have fun building blocks like Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. (and not much else!). While Houston would be running with two big men most nights (Wood, Mobley), there is no reason to select anyone other than Mobley with this pick – as he would be the first overall pick in most NBA Drafts – he just so happens to be in the same class as Cade Cunningham.

Mobley can do quite a bit as a uber-mobile big man. He’s a phenomenal defender as he can switch onto perimeter players while also being a ferocious rim protector. Mobley is also an underrated passer – and could act as an elbow playmaker on some possessions. His speed and athleticism is great – and his distance from 3 is comparable to Chris Bosh coming out of college.

I know the Rockets prefer Cade – and who doesn’t – but even keeping their draft pick would be a massive win for the Rockets – considering they barely have over a 50-percent chance that it happens.

Speaking of, this pick is going to be huge on lottery night. If it does not land within the top-4, this pick conveys to the Oklahoma City Thunder – who might be due for a quick turnaround given how much draft capital they have over the next few seasons.