Houston must swap high-upside projects for seasoned collegiate rim protectors to bolster their frontcourt depth and survive the Western Conference’s gauntlet of elite, seven-foot superstars.
The ninth pick of the second round is projected to bring Luigi Suigo to Houston, but the Italian big man would probably take his talents to the NCAA if he’s not a top 20 pick, per CBB Central. That makes ESPN’s selection here questionable to say the least.
I do think they’re on the right track though. It wouldn’t hurt to get some extra size in order to deal with Western Conference finalists, Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama. Not to mention Jokic and Gobert before that. Deandre Ayton even gave the Rockets some problems at times, as mentioned on Roundtable.
The NBA’s Draft Combine Stats showed Luigi Suigo having the second tallest standing reach and height with shoes, as well as the third longest wingspan. No wonder why the 7'3" stretch big has been called “The Italian Wemby.”
After seeing the Rockets have a great deal of success with Alperen Şengün playing alongside another big man, I think it’s wise to seek out a long-term fit there. Their season fell apart after Steven Adams went down in mid-January.
He’s only played in 90 games through the last three seasons, including missing the entire 2023-2024 season. Clint Capela just joined Adams at 32 years old on Monday, but I am genuinely surprised to see he played in 75 games this season.
He’s had an impressive run of health, playing in 67.5 games per season since initially being traded away from Houston in 2020. Obviously not the offensive rebounding threat he once was, and not as dominant as Steven Adams, but a valuable piece regardless.
While those guys were both first round picks over a decade ago, Rafael Stone and the Rockets’ front office can look at recent picks from around the league in order to hit a home run this year.
Just last season, Ryan Kalkbrenner went to Charlotte with the 34th overall pick after playing five years in college. I was a little surprised he didn’t make an All-Rookie team to be honest.
Maxime Raynaud was selected 42nd overall and did make an All-Rookie team with the Kings this past season. He also played four years at college.
That extra experience in college not only means they’re more developed and NBA ready players, but also more in line with the age of Houston’s core. Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are all currently 23.
Reed Sheppard is currently the youngest player on the roster at 21, and I don’t personally think the front office would want to take on and develop more younger players.
While it doesn’t look like Luigi Suigo will be on the table for Houston, I’d suggest they search for an older, more experienced big man in the second round.
