NBA Mock Draft 8.0: Raptors take a high-risk prospect; Lakers get a steal in round 1

5. Houston Rockets – Anthony Black, G, Arkansas

If the Houston Rockets came away with the No. 5 overall pick in this year’s NBA Draft, it would be quite disappointing. This is a team that is hoping to win the NBA Draft Lottery and at the very least come away with a top 3 pick. Nevertheless, in this NBA Mock Draft, I believe that Anthony Black could be sitting atop the Rockets’ big board with how the first four picks have gone. For a team that is in need of a playmaker, Black could be a prospect Houston may be willing to invest in.

Somewhat overshadowed by Nick Smith Jr., Black quickly emerged as one of the best players for the Razorbacks this past season. He finished his freshman season by averaging 13 points and four assists per game on 45 percent shooting from the field. And at 6-foot-7, he is one of the more interesting point guard prospects in this draft class.

The big question about Black heading into the pre-draft process revolves around his shooting. If he can prove that he can be a consistently good 3-point shooter, he’s going to continue to rise up draft boards. If he struggles on that front, it wouldn’t be surprising if he fell toward the bottom of the top 10.