Rafael Stone faces a critical decision as mock drafts link streaky shooters and undecided prospects to Houston. Discover why these polarizing targets might struggle to fill the roster's spacing needs.
Through six seasons, Rockets’ GM Rafael Stone has yet to use a second round draft pick on a player that would actually play for Houston. I pondered whether that would change this summer, as seen on Roundtable.
Although it was already known where the Rockets would be selecting in the 2026 NBA Draft, there’s now plenty more projections following the lottery. Looking at an ESPN mock draft, we can see exactly who the experts think could start their careers in Houston this June.
Their first selection with the 39th pick is honestly a little puzzling to me, as it might not even be a possibility in a couple of weeks. Matt Able from NC State is participating in the NBA Draft Combine, but he’s also set to transfer schools and retain college eligibility.
He has until May 27th to withdraw from the draft, should he choose to go play for the UNC Tar Heels. A historically great basketball school that recently hired Michael Malone, a coach with an NBA ring under his belt. It’d be reasonable for the 6’5 freshman to return to college in hopes of raising his draft stock.
Regardless of his decision in two weeks, does his game even fit the Rockets’ needs? I’m a little hesitant to say yes to that. But what even are their needs? You could go through a long list, as I did here on Roundtable, but shooting is unsurprisingly one of the main things this front office should be looking for.
While the young shooting guard can certainly do what his position suggests, Matt Able hasn’t yet proven to be the type of reliable sniper that every team would want. He’s more of a streaky shooter, but really an all-around player.
I like his athleticism and how it could be used on both ends, which certainly fits with this Rockets roster. This next player fits that familiar theme, as well as having a familiar name: Andrej Stojakovic.
Son of former NBA sharpshooting All-Star, Peja Stojakovic, is also not fully committed to the draft this year. Again having until May 27th to withdraw. The similarities to Matt Able don’t end there, as they’re both athletic, all-around guards/wings. Just not snipers like Peja.
Andrej is actually three years older, and has shown to be a much less consistent shooter in that extra time. As seen on RealGM, he’s shooting just over 30-percent at three different schools. Simply not the kind of player that I think Houston should be looking for.
Obviously it’s hard to come by shooters, but it wouldn’t hurt to bring in some guys who have proven they can knock down a shot. I don’t think a team full of athletes is going to get it done.