Rockets NBA mock draft recap enters Round 1

The Houston Rockets look to continue building for his future on Wednesday.

Widely considered one of the most intriguing picks of the night — as Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr are likely to go in the top two — the Rockets have the No. 3 overall pick in Wednesday’s first round of the 2024 NBA draft, which begins at 7 p.m.: 00 CT at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.

At No. 3 overall, several draft analysts, including USA TODAY’s Jeff Zillgitt, have Rockets general manager Rafael Stone selecting Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard to pair with Jalen Green in back. Sheppard started at Kentucky this season under former Wildcats and now Arkansas coach John Calipari, averaging 12.5 points and 4.1 assists per game while being named the 2023-24 SEC Freshman of the Year .

MUST READ: Dallas Mavericks Rumors Enter 2024 NBA Draft: Trade Updates, Latest News

But as is always the case on draft night, the Rockets could trade the third pick. According to ESPN Senior NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski, the Rockets are interested in trading Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns.

Houston Rockets Mock NBA Draft Recap

Here’s a look at where various mock drafts picked Houston in Round 1 of Wednesday’s NBA draft:

USA TODAY: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Can free up the score, especially off screens, using floaters or pulling up in transition. Lacks elite athleticism, but handles the ball well enough to be worth watching at point guard. Will compete defensively and rebounds well for his size. He performed well in the NBA draft combined with his shooting and an impressive 42-inch vertical jump.

ESPN: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

As of Wednesday afternoon, signs point to the Rockets staying at No. 3 and selecting Sheppard, a player they’ve coveted throughout the pre-draft process.

For now – barring a surprise trade scenario that pops up late in the process — it looks like the Rockets will continue to add young talent, and Sheppard has been the favorite here since the night of the May 12 draft lottery. Houston’s ownership group traveled to meet with Sheppard in Los Angeles fairly early in the process, and he toured the Rockets’ facility. to make his case as the best shooter in the draft.

Athletic: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

The Rockets’ Tuesday night trade with Brooklyn isn’t expected to impact his nightly decision-making process. The team essentially traded two of the three remaining future picks they own from the Nets back to Brooklyn for a significant amount of the Phoenix Suns’ future selections. The idea was to add more capital to his cache as well as expand the window of his decision-making process.

CBS Sports: Reed Sheppard, Kentucky

Houston grabs the strongest 3-point shooter in the draft. Sheppard ranked in the 100th percentile (!) in jump shots as a true freshman at Kentucky and was ace as a catch-and-shoot weapon. He adds play on both ends as a passer and defender.

2024 NBA DRAFT: See all things NBA Draft

When do the Rockets pick in the 2024 NBA draft?

The Rockets have two picks in the 2024 NBA draft, assuming no trades are made to move Houston up or down the draft boards. Are:

• Round 1: Choice no. 3 (#3 overall)
• Round 2: Choice no. 14 (#44 overall)

When does the 2024 NBA draft start? Round 1 start time

• Date: Wednesday, June 26
• Time: 19:00 CT

Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Draft is scheduled to begin at 7:00 PM CT, although pre-draft coverage is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.

What channel is the 2024 NBA draft on today?

Round 1 of the 2024 NBA Draft will be televised on both ESPN and ABC. Streaming options include the ESPN app (with cable connection) and both ESPN+ and Fubo, the latter of which offers a free trial.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. The USA TODAY newsroom operates independently, and this does not influence our coverage.