The Houston Rockets secured the No. 5 spot in ESPN’s ranking of NBA teams with the most future first-round draft picks.
On Wednesday, ESPN’s Bobby Marks ranked the top five NBA teams with the most future first-round picks, and the Houston Rockets landed at No. 5. They trailed only the Spurs, Thunder, Nets, and Jazz. While it’s too early to judge the impact of Houston’s recent trade with Brooklyn, the Rockets have positioned themselves well for the future.
Houston’s front office, led by Rafael Stone, owns a total of eight incoming first-round picks, with the possibility of adding a ninth if they land in the top four of the 2026 NBA Draft lottery. Even if that doesn’t happen, the Rockets have plenty of draft capital to work with. Among their most valuable assets are a 2027 pick swap with Brooklyn and favorable 2029 first-round selections from either Dallas or Phoenix.
Stone emphasized the team’s strategic approach, saying, “We’ve diversified our picks and pushed them further out, which is a smart move for a young team like ours.”
With a talented roster eyeing the playoffs, the Rockets might not have a high draft position with their own pick anytime soon, but their flexibility gives them the power to either trade up or swap with teams selecting earlier. This bodes well for their ability to build an even stronger roster in the years to come.
