The Rockets 10th pick is a three-choose game! Best 3D, outside shooter or potential defender?

Rockets' 10th pick choice: 3D, shooter or potential defender? On the eve of the 2025 NBA Draft, the Rockets, holding the No. 10 pick, stood at a critical crossroads. Last season, the Rockets won the second place in the Western Conference with their outstanding performance, but failed in the first round of the playoffs, and the lineup shortcomings were also exposed. Therefore, the choice of this draft pick is crucial to the team's future direction. At present, top 3D players, outside shooters and potential defenders have become the three popular choices.

The best 3D players are an indispensable puzzle for modern championship lineups. Carter Bryant is a good candidate, this 6-foot-9-inch wing from the University of Arizona, has a tenacious defense and can defend multiple positions. Although he averaged only 6.5 points per game, his three-point shooting percentage was 37%, and his offensive potential was huge. If he joins, he can complement Jaylen Green, Shin Jing and others, and improve the Rockets' offensive and defensive system.

The Rockets exposed the problem of insufficient firepower on the outside in the playoffs, and choosing an outside shooter is also a good idea. Knuppel is regarded as "Klay Little". When he was at Duke, he averaged 14.4 points, 4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game, and his three-point shooting percentage reached 40.7%. Not only is he accurate in three points, he is also good at running without the ball, passing vision and defense awareness are also good. After joining the Rockets, he can integrate into Shin Jing's inside support system and improve his offensive space pulling ability.

From the long run, the potential defender is also worth paying attention to. Casparas Jacucionis has a broad vision and excellent shooting ability with the ball. Although he has many mistakes and unstable three-pointers, in the Rockets' existing lineup, he can grow with the help of veterans and teammates, and may perfectly complement Jaylen Green's breakthrough ability in the future and become the core of the team. The three choices have their own advantages. Should we focus on improving our combat power at the moment or looking at the future to cultivate the core? The Rockets’ management decision has attracted much attention. Let’s wait for the draft and see how the Rockets make a decision.