NBA Mock Draft 2022: Jaden Ivey is coveted; final lottery predictions

3. Houston Rockets – Paolo Banchero, F, Duke

With the first two picks going status quo, the Houston Rockets really don’t have much of a decision to make. It would be extremely shocking if Paolo Banchero wasn’t selected with the No. 3 overall pick. And, quite frankly, I wouldn’t understand the thinking from the Rockets if this wasn’t the move.

Of course, unless they decided to make a trade. Assuming they stand pat, however, I love what Banchero could add to the Rockets. With a solid backcourt in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., Banchero would add promise to the wing and frontcourt.

With Christian Wood no longer in the picture, minutes would automatically open up for Banchero in Houston – whether that’s in a starting or bench role automatically. Banchero has star potential and could be a really good player for Houston down the line.