Who the Rockets should/shouldn't target in this Draft

Go After These Guys:

1) Cameron Payne | PG | 6'2" 183; 6'7" wingspan | Murray State | 20
Payne has shot up charts, and might be the best “true PG” in the draft (considering Russell is a combo and Mudiay is still learning the position). He’s not the most physically imposing guy, but he’s quick with excellent score-pass instincts (think: a lefty Jeff Teague). He can create shots exceptionally well, and possesses great range and court vision. He probably won’t ever bring high level D from the PG spot at the NBA level, but he could be our #2 shot creator.
Where he’ll likely go: Looked like he might be available at #18 a while ago, but has shot up into the lottery of late. Will likely have to trade up to have a shot.

2) Bobby Portis | PF | 6'11" 246; 7'2" wingspan | Arkansas | 20
Portis is about as NBA ready as any PF in the draft. He’s big and skilled with an impressive face-up game and range. He’s not a great vertical athlete but he moves well laterally and with his size he should be fine on both ends in that regard. We’ve yet to have a true face-up threat at the 4 spot, and Portis could be that guy if Jones is dealt.
Where he’ll likely go: He’s a mid-1st who’s usually slotted in the 12-20 range. Might slip to #18.

3) Justin Anderson | SF | 6'6" 231; 7'0" wingspan | Virginia | 21
Want a DTA guy? Then Anderson should be your target. He’s strong, one of the best leapers in the draft, is a great defender (with length), and has become a strong catch-and-shoot guy. He’s not a shot-creator, but he could be great wing insurance if we lose Brewer (and/or McDaniels).
Where he’ll likely go: Looks like a late-1st, might slip to #32.

4) Tyus Jones | PG | 6'1" 185; 6'6" wingspan | Duke | 19
Jones is polarizing amongst most, because some see elite PG instincts and a winning pedigree, while others see a guy with average physical tools and upside. I personally think his success will be largely dependent on the situation he’s drafted into…and I think the Rockets would be one of the best fits for him. He brings a steadiness/maturity to the 1-spot, and can knock down threes as well. He won’t ever be incredibly dynamic or a great defender, but I think he’d be an asset here.
Where he’ll likely go: Generally looked at as a mid to late-1st rounder. Should be available at #18.

5) Terry Rozier | PG/SG | 6'2" 190; 6'8" wingspan | Louisville | 21
Rozier is also quite polarizing, but for different reasons. But like Jones, I think he would fit well here. He’s a strong, athletic combo-guard with defensive chops and shot-creating ability. His knocks are that he’s not much of a PG and his jumper is inconsistent, but I see a guy who could bring D/energy/scoring off the bat next to Harden, and I could see him becoming a solid shooter eventually.
Where he’ll likely go: An early-2nd or late-1st round guy. Likely to be there at #32.

6) Tyler Harvey | SG | 6'4" 181; 6'6" wingspan | Eastern Washington | 21
Harvey is under the radar for most, and isn’t an extremely exciting prospect in a physical/upside sense, but if you miss Troy Daniels (I do), then Harvey is your guy. He was one of the best scorers/shooters in CBB last year (four 3PM per G!). He’d be a specialist, but as we saw in the playoffs, a high volume 3PA offense would probably be more effective if you actually have some snipers in the fold.
Where he’ll likely go: Mid to late-2nd. Maybe buy a pick late?

7) Briante Weber | PG | 6'2" 170; 6'8" wingspan | VCU | 22
With all the talk of Beverley leaving, Weber might be the ideal cheap replacement. He’s posted ridiculous SPG numbers at VCU and is an absolute monster defensively (particularly on the press). He’s not much of an offensive threat, and that may keep him from gaining a long-term NBA spot, but if he can develop his J, he could be a helluva a steal. His season-ending injury put him even further under the radar than before.
Where he’ll likely go: Likely undrafted. Sign the guy!

Stay Away From These Guys:

1) Jerian Grant | PG | 6'4" 198; 6'8" wingspan | Notre Dame | 22
Grant might be the guy most commonly mocked to the Rockets at #18. He’s mature PG with size, solid vision and scoring instincts, but I’m wary for a number of reasons. The fact that he lacks a standout skill/trait, combined with the fact he’ll be 23 before opening day is worrisome. He’s not dynamic with the ball (ala Payne), and isn’t a knock-down shooter either. To me, he screams solid rotation guard, but I don’t see much upside with him.
Where he’ll likely go: Most have him in the mid to late-1st. Possible target at #18.

2) Rondae Hollis-Jefferson | SF | 6'7" 211; 7'2" wingspan | Arizona | 20
RHJ has a lot of positive traits – he’s long, active and a great/versatile defender to start. Most will say his jumper is his biggest knock, and many even claim that’s developable. I personally disagree, his jumper is broken to the core, and I can see him being an offensive liability unless he’s surrounded by strong shooters/weapons. He’d be an asset here for his strengths, but his lack of range would be exposed at the 3-spot in our offense, no question.
Where he’ll likely go: Also seen as a mid-late 1st guy. Possible target at #18.

3) Cliff Alexander | PF | 6'8" 239; 7'4" wingspan | Kansas | 19
Alexander was projected as a top-5 pick by many before the year, but didn’t produce like most expected him to. His game is centered around his strength, athleticism and physicality inside, but as a 6’8” PF, you can’t “bully” your way to stardom. He’s going to need a lot of development skill-wise, and even then, we don’t really have room for an undersized, raw PF, even with his length and rebounding ability.
Where he’ll likely go: Late-1st to Early-2nd. Possible target at #18 or #32.

4) Sam Dekker | SF | 6'9" 219; 7'0" wingspan | Wisconsin | 21
Dekker is pretty darn solid in most areas, but is a master of none. Some compare his game to Parsons, but he’ll likely be a poor man’s version at that. I don’t dislike Dekker as a prospect, I just don’t see him as a great fit here, since he’s only average-to-good in all the areas we could upgrade on the wing (shooting, on-ball D, shot-creating), and wouldn’t fully satisfy any of them.
Where he’ll likely go: Mid to late 1st. Possible target at either one of our slots.

5) Robert Upshaw | C | 7'0" 258; 7'6" wingspan | Washington | 21
Upshaw might be the biggest risk-reward prospect in the draft. He’s a physical monster who was an elite shot-blocker last year, but has severe off-the-court concerns and is quite raw on offense. I think he would be a good, calculated risk for some teams, but not for us. With Capela in the fold as our young athletic, developmental C, I don’t think there’s any reason to take a shot on Upshaw.
Where he’ll likely go: Late 1st. Possible target at either one of our slots.

6) R.J. Hunter | SG | 6'6" 185; 6'11" wingspan | Georgia State | 21
Hunter is a guy that many are a big fan of, with his size for the 2-spot and his scoring numbers. That said, I’m not a huge fan of his fit here. He’s a volume/streaky shooter who would be just another wing to add to our group of 30-35% shooters from deep.
Where he’ll likely go: Late 1st. Possible target at either one of our slots.

7) Andrew Harrison | PG | 6'6" 213; 6'9" wingspan | Kentucky | 20
In principle, a big PG like Harrison, with a decent stroke from deep, would be a great fit next to Harden. That said, I’ve always said that he just lacks “it” when it comes to decision-making and running an offense. If he were a standout defender, it might make up for those deficiencies, but he’s not. I just don’t see many NBA-level PG skills from him, and his size is probably his best attribute.
Where he’ll likely go: Early to mid 2nd. Possible target at #32.