**Houston Rockets Picks: Grabbing Bright Prospects in the NBA Draft** ## The Haul of Young Talent The Houston Rockets, in the midst of a rebuilding phase, entered the 2023 NBA Draft with a treasure trove of picks. They owned the No. 2, No. 17, No. 20, and No. 24 picks, providing them with a unique opportunity to reshape their roster with young talent. ## The Crown Jewel: Jabari Smith Jr. With the No. 2 overall pick, the Rockets selected Jabari Smith Jr., a 6'10" forward from Auburn. Smith, a dynamic scorer and defender, averaged 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds per game during his sophomore season. His shooting prowess, with a 42.9% clip from beyond the arc, makes him a formidable threat from distance. ## Bolstering the Backcourt: TyTy Washington At No. 17, the Rockets drafted TyTy Washington, a 6'3" guard from Kentucky. Washington, known for his impressive court vision and passing skills, has a knack for creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Additionally, he brings a strong defensive presence, averaging 1.9 steals per game in his freshman season. ## Adding Athleticism: Tari Eason With the No. 20 pick, Houston selected Tari Eason, a 6'8" forward from LSU. Eason, a versatile and athletic player, is known for his high-energy performances. He averaged 16.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game in his sophomore year, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple facets. ## Filling the Big Man Void: Walker Kessler At No. 24, the Rockets selected Walker Kessler, a 7'1" center from Auburn. Kessler, a defensive powerhouse, averaged 4.6 blocks per game during his sophomore season, establishing himself as one of the most dominant shot-blockers in the NCAA. His height and wingspan will provide a significant presence in the paint. ## The Road Ahead The Houston Rockets' draft selections represent a promising step towards building a competitive team. With a blend of talented scorers, defenders, and playmakers, the Rockets have the potential to develop a formidable core of young players. As these prospects continue to grow and develop, the Rockets' future looks increasingly bright.
