The Houston Rockets exceeded all expectations, posting a record of 52-30 and earning the second seed in the Western Conference. Of course, it didn’t end well – the Rockets were defeated by the Golden State Warriors in seven games in the first round of the postseason – still, there is a lot to build on.
The Rockets have the assets to continue to improve, whether that be via trade or through the draft (some experts also speculate the Rockets could trade up in the draft). If the Rockets are going to make another big jump next season, their 10th overall pick will likely have something to do with that.
Houston Rockets Projected To Land Arizona Wildcats Guard Carter Bryant
PFSN’s Brandon Austin projects the Rockets to select guard Carter Bryant out of Arizona. Bryant averaged 6.5 points and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Wildcats last season.
Austin explains why Bryant would be a perfect fit in Houston.
“With a roster full of young talent, the Houston Rockets are one of the brightest franchises in the NBA heading into the 2025 season and beyond,” writes Austin. “They’ll have some interesting personnel decisions to make this summer and in the coming years, though. Amen Thompson’s emergence could allow Houston to pivot away from either Jabari Smith Jr. or Tari Eason, and if so, Carter Bryant would make a ton of sense here.”
Bryant does have issues, but his upside may be too much for the Rockets to pass on.
“Bryant’s production at Arizona leaves much to be desired,” Austin explains. “He averaged just 6.5 points per game in a limited role, but his physical tools and flashes of high-level play hint at significantly more upside than the box score shows.”
Austin points to Bryant’s 6’8” athletic build and how it gives him “size, mobility, and defensive versatility”, a trait NBA teams value. “He’s already demonstrated the ability to defend multiple positions and make impact plays on that end, whether rotating as a weakside helper or blocking shots on closeouts.”, he added.
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) February 11, 2025
Bryant may be able to quickly earn himself playing time based on that defense, but it’s going to be a struggle on offense, at least in the early going.
“Offensively, Bryant projects more as a role player than a primary scorer,” says Austin. “He isn’t a creator yet, but he understands how to move within an offense and has shown encouraging signs as a spot-up shooter. He doesn’t need a high usage rate to make his presence felt. He also shot 37.1% from 3, albeit on a low volume. Bryant is a long-term developmental swing with the skill set and makeup of a potential 3-and-D wing contributor.”
‘3-and-D’ wings are highly sought after this day and age 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.
