NBA Draft Lottery for Rockets? Victor Wembanyama’s fit, team development and more

The Houston Rockets are in rebuilding mode after 30 games. They are expected to be picked in the NBA Draft Lottery. The Athletic’s Rockets beat writer Kelly Iko and Sam Vecenie discuss the team development and the incoming draft class.

The Rockets are 9-21 and last in the Western Conference. They are improving in some areas and showing growth in others. Jalen Green is showing signs of becoming a true 1A player in near future. Usman Garuba is healthy and Alperen Sengun looks comfortable starting for this group.

Sam Vecenie likes the Rockets' team and players. Sam Vecensi believes that the development of players like Green, Smith and Eason is going well. Sam Vecentsi also likes their individual development. He thinks that Easons is the most interesting Rockets prospect. The advanced numbers love him because he's switchable and aggressive on the defensive end and forces turnovers. His finishing package and lack of touch at the rim are frustrating. It's important these parts of his game have allowed him to play a positive role early in his career. For Sam, E Mason is only player on Rockets with a plus-minus of 350 minutes played.

The Rockets have a lot of young players. They lost 75 percent of their games in two consecutive years. The team would benefit from having more veteran leadership. Kevin Porter Jr. is a huge reason why the team is last in the league in both turnover rate and assist rate. Eric Gordon is professional but doesn't provide the necessary connective tissue between teammates. Jae’Sean Tate hasn't played much this year due to injury. He's a good player, but his skill set overlaps with some of the Rockets' other core pieces. The Rockets are not looking to trade Tate. Iko would take a strong look at moving him.

Iko and Vecenie are scouting players for the 2023 NBA draft. Victor Wembanyama is a 7-foot-4 center with a near-8-ft wingspan. Scoot Henderson is an 18-year-old point guard playing in the G League Ignite. He's averaging 21.2 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6 assists per game. He is also shooting 51 percent from the field. Vecensie believes he's an elite guard prospect. Iko would place him a level above guys like Green, Suggs, Anthony Edwards and Lonzo Ball.

Wembanyama, Smith and Green would be a great frontcourt combination for the Rockets. Wembaniama is a 7-foot-4 center who can create his own shot, protect the rim and shoot from 3. He's the team's centerpiece. Iko doesn't think the current Rockets core has the No. 1 player to lead them to championship contention yet. Green has a good chance to reach their level, but he's not yet the player archetype that can break through the glass ceiling. The bar for being a No 1 option on a title contender is very high. It's unlikely that Green will reach that level.