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Much of the fixation for the Houston Rockets is on their No. 10 overall draft pick in the NBA’s 2025 first round, which takes place on June 25. Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis is among the more popular early projections.
But they also have another selection in the second round on the following day, June 26.
Via Oklahoma City, the Rockets currently own the final pick in the 2025 second round at No. 59 overall. (There are usually 60 picks in each draft, with one initially slotted each of the league’s 30 teams in both rounds, but the New York Knicks had their 2025 second-round selection voided for tampering.)
Because the Thunder had the NBA’s best record in the 2024-25 season, that means their pick is “Mr. Irrelevant,” as the saying goes.
While expectations are low out of that draft slot, it’s not unprecedented for it to lead to a significant contributor. Isaiah Thomas was “Mr. Irrelevant” in the 2011 draft, and he averaged 11.5 points (37.9% on 3-pointers) and 4.1 assists per game as a rookie before eventually becoming a two-time NBA All-Star.
So, who might the Rockets take at No. 59 (assuming they keep the pick)? Here’s a roundup of what the latest mock draft projections are currently showing.
Additional statistics and prospect information is available at Tankathon.
Many prospects selected late in the second round tend to be either international (for stash purposes, since they can potentially play at least one more season overseas and not immediately take up an NBA roster spot) or of advanced age. Because younger collegiate prospects are often perceived to have more upside, they tend to go higher in the order.
But in the event that an older player is selected, they might be more ready to contribute in the near future, since they have more experience playing at a high level in college.
More: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Will the Rockets keep the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ pick?
Continue reading...
But they also have another selection in the second round on the following day, June 26.
Via Oklahoma City, the Rockets currently own the final pick in the 2025 second round at No. 59 overall. (There are usually 60 picks in each draft, with one initially slotted each of the league’s 30 teams in both rounds, but the New York Knicks had their 2025 second-round selection voided for tampering.)
Because the Thunder had the NBA’s best record in the 2024-25 season, that means their pick is “Mr. Irrelevant,” as the saying goes.
While expectations are low out of that draft slot, it’s not unprecedented for it to lead to a significant contributor. Isaiah Thomas was “Mr. Irrelevant” in the 2011 draft, and he averaged 11.5 points (37.9% on 3-pointers) and 4.1 assists per game as a rookie before eventually becoming a two-time NBA All-Star.
So, who might the Rockets take at No. 59 (assuming they keep the pick)? Here’s a roundup of what the latest mock draft projections are currently showing.
- ESPN: Viktor Lakhin, 6-foot-11 center, Clemson (23 years old)
- Draft Digest: John Tonje, 6-foot-6 wing, Wisconsin (24 years old)
- Tankathon: Hunter Sallis, 6-foot-5 guard, Wake Forest (22 years old)
- Bleacher Report: Sion James, 6-foot-5 forward, Duke (22 years old)
- CBS Sports: Ryan Nembhard, 6-foot-0 guard, Gonzaga (22 years old)
- Yahoo! Sports: Alijah Martin, 6-foot-2 guard, Florida (23 years old)
Additional statistics and prospect information is available at Tankathon.
Many prospects selected late in the second round tend to be either international (for stash purposes, since they can potentially play at least one more season overseas and not immediately take up an NBA roster spot) or of advanced age. Because younger collegiate prospects are often perceived to have more upside, they tend to go higher in the order.
But in the event that an older player is selected, they might be more ready to contribute in the near future, since they have more experience playing at a high level in college.
More: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Illinois guard Kasparas Jakucionis frequently linked to Rockets
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: 2025 NBA mock drafts: Will the Rockets keep the ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ pick?
Continue reading...
