The Houston Rockets exceeded all expectations this past season, finishing with a 52-30 record and earning the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference. While their playoff run was cut short by a seven-game series loss to the Golden State Warriors in the First Round, the foundation is clearly in place for sustained success.
As the front office eyes potential blockbuster trades involving stars like Kevin Durant or Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Rockets could also make a pivotal addition through the draft. With the No. 10 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Houston is projected to land a 3-and-D wing contributor with immense long-term upside.
Houston Rockets Projected To Select Arizona Forward in the 2025 NBA Draft
Given that the Rockets have an ample number of young and developing stars on their roster, some might assume that the team would look to bring in an experienced star to improve its situation. While the organization might still do that, Sports Illustrated’s Matt Brandon believes the Rockets will use their 10th overall pick on Arizona forward Carter Bryant.
“Houston opts for a smart, strategic grab in Carter Bryant, Arizona’s elite 3-and-D wing prospect,” Brandon wrote. “His college stats (6.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.0 assist) don’t pop off the page, but the tape tells a much juicier story.”
“Standing 6-foot-7 with length, hops, and versatile defense, Bryant embodies the modern NBA wing, a lockdown defender with smooth shooting strokes,” Brandon added. “While his ball-handling is still a work in progress, his silky shot mechanics, relentless motor, and ability to guard multiple positions make him a perfect fit for Houston’s patient, developmental timeline.”
It’s clear that Bryant’s production at Arizona wasn’t anywhere near the level of other prospects, but his physical tools and flashes of high-level play hint at significantly more upside than the box score shows. He also won’t have to carry the scoring load in Houston. Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun will shoulder that responsibility well.
As Brandon pointed out, Bryant adds a defensive edge, averaging 1.0 steals and 0.9 blocks per game, which suggests real disruptive upside. That kind of impact could help him earn early minutes, though it may take more time for his offensive game to catch up.
Carter Bryant
NBA-ready size (7’ wingspan) ✅ High end athlete ✅ Court vision ✅ Cutter + lob threat ✅ Versatile defender ✅
Raw offensive prospect who oozes upside, but may also be the biggest gamble in this class. pic.twitter.com/TrjOALItCk— DraftCentral (@draftcentralnet) June 18, 2025
3-and-D wings are highly sought after these days in the NBA. If the Rockets can land a player like Bryant with the potential to excel both from beyond the arc and on the defensive end, it would be a fantastic start to their offseason.
PFSN’s Projection For Rockets and Bryant
PFSN analyst Cam Mellor also projects the Rockets to target a high-upside talent with the No. 10 overall pick. However, he went with French forward Noa Essengue, who averaged 12.4 points and 5.3 rebounds last season for Ratiopharm Ulm of Germany’s Basketball Bundesliga.
“He’s proven he can hold his own in Germany’s top league, but at just 18 years old, there should be no pressure to fast-track him into NBA action,” Mellor wrote. “At 6-foot-9, there’s plenty of room for him to bulk up and develop even further, especially on the defensive end and as a perimeter threat. But it’s his feel for the modern game, versatile, fluid, instinctual, that makes this pick intriguing.”
“If and when it all clicks, Essengue has the tools to be a serious difference-maker for the Rockets,” Mellor added. Meanwhile, Mellor projected that Bryant would be selected 16th overall by the Memphis Grizzlies.
Whether Houston goes with a ready-made 3-and-D option or bets on long-term potential, the No. 10 pick could be another smart, strategic grab to keep this rising contender trending upward.
