NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Spurs jump into top 3; Lakers offload Russell Westbrook

1. Houston Rockets – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke

With the No. 1 overall pick, the Houston Rockets would have some flexibility here. However, after a good showing in the NCAA Tournament, including several bright moments throughout Duke’s Final Four run, Paolo Banchero will get serious consideration here.

And considering all the tools he has as a potential player at the next level, it’s hard for me to believe that he won’t have the pre-draft workout performances that will help him rise to the top of this year’s draft board.

The Rockets add Banchero and he could theoretically play next to Christian Wood and the rest of this team’s young core. This would be a win-win for the Rockets overall, no matter how they want to proceed in their rebuild.