The Houston Rockets enter the offseason with one glaring need following what was otherwise a resoundingly successful 2024–25 campaign. Just two years into Ime Udoka’s tenure as head coach, the young Rockets soared to the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference—an impressive leap forward.
Still, their lack of offensive cohesion was exposed during a hard-fought seven-game series against the Golden State Warriors, ultimately ending their playoff run in the first round.
With a talented young core and a wealth of assets, Houston’s future remains exceptionally bright—and it could shine even brighter if the Rockets opt to use the No. 10 pick on Arizona wing Carter Bryant.
Rockets Predicted To Select Carter Bryant With the No. 10 Pick in 2025 NBA Draft
Although the Rockets have a lot of young talent on their roster, such as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., the team plans to double down in terms of recurring new players and are predicted to draft Bryant with the No. 10 pick, a selection that they managed to secure through the Phoenix Suns.
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“Houston, acquiring this pick via trades, is projected to select Carter Bryant, an athletic forward from Arizona,” ChatGPT wrote. “Bryant has 3-and-D potential, with the ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions, making him a valuable asset for the Rockets.”
Bryant is still a projection because of his role at Arizona. He averaged just under 20 minutes per game and wasn’t asked to do much on offense, hence his 6.5 points per game.
However, he also garnered 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 37.1% from 3, suggesting there’s upside on a team like the Rockets that can afford him more opportunities.
Arizona's Carter Bryant has the makings of the big complementary wing all 30 NBA teams covet. Terrific physical tools, spot-up shooting, baseline feel, and valuable defensive versatility. pic.twitter.com/B0ZkY1B1cn
— Jacob Myers (@League_Him)
Bryant possesses the prototypical frame to grow into a modern-day 3-and-D starter at 6’8” and 225 pounds. His athleticism should translate to defense first, as he was a fearsome on-ball defender for the Wildcats.
PFSN Predicts Rockets To Select a Creative Passer Instead of Bryant
In PFSN’s latest NBA mock draft by Brandon Austin, the Rockets are predicted to select Kasparas Jakučionis with the No. 10 pick.
“Kasparas Jakučionis brings the kind of backcourt versatility, IQ, and long-term upside that aligns perfectly with the Houston Rockets’ evolving roster and developmental timeline,” Austin wrote. “At 6’6”, he fits the modern combo guard mold. He’s big enough to defend both backcourt spots and skilled enough to run the offense.
“For a team that may soon be pivoting away from veteran point guard Fred VanVleet or evaluating Jalen Green’s long-term fit, Jakučionis offers a potential successor with a high ceiling and valuable on-ball instincts.
“Jakučionis’ court vision and passing creativity are among the best in this draft class — cross-court skip passes, finding cutters in stride, or threading the needle in pick-and-roll situations. While he posted a high turnover rate at Illinois, much of that came from ambitious passes and the burden of carrying a large offensive load as a freshman while adjusting to Big Ten physicality.”
Bryant, meanwhile, was selected No. 14 overall by the Atlanta Hawks.
“After solidifying their promising young backcourt with Harper earlier in the round, the Spurs could look to add high-upside talent on the wings with their second lottery pick,” wrote Austin. “Carter Bryant had modest production at Arizona, averaging just 6.5 points per game in a limited role. However, his physical tools and flashes of high-level play suggest much greater upside than his stats might indicate.
“…Bryant’s skill set as a combo forward who can space the floor and defend multiple positions aligns well with the Spurs’ system. He gives them a valuable developmental piece who can grow into a modern-day 3-and-D starter.”
