NBA Draft Winners and Losers: Rockets Shoot to the Top

Spurs Get Wemby, But Rockets Steal the Show

The Houston Rockets may not have had a top-3 pick in this year’s NBA draft, but that didn’t stop them from having arguably the best night from the rebuilding teams. Let’s analyze the NBA Draft Winners and Losers on another memorable night for the league’s future stars.

The Houston Rockets added Amen Thompson (Pick 4) and Cam Whitmore (Pick 20) to their young roster as they added athleticism, length and scoring in an impressive manner.

Whitmore’s medical apparently revealed huge red flags that saw the Villanova product slide from a top-lottery pick to a late first-rounder. Despite those potential warnings there was a clear low risk, high reward scenario for anyone drafting outside the lottery to potentially come up with the steal of the draft.

That fact he made it to the Rockets was seemingly a gift from the basketball gods given many thought Whitmore would land in Houston with their top-5 pick. His explosiveness off-the-dribble and ability to collapse the defense is exactly what the Rockets will cherish and the fact he has an above-average shooting touch is the icing on the cake.

Both players drafted have All-Star potential and if new head coach Ime Udoka can find a way to have his young core grow together there’s every reason for optimism around the future of the franchise.

Hornets Gamble on Miller, Blazers Draft Lillard Replacement?

The Charlotte Hornets may have been the biggest losers of the night based on footage of their own fans booing the selection of Alabama’s Brandon Miller.

The G-League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson seemed a consensus #2 pick this season up until draft night when reports started circulating that the Hornets were leaning towards Miller.

The forward’s skillset was seen as a better fit alongside All-Star guard LaMelo Ball and while it may become the right choice in the long-run it’s certainly seen as a miss to pass up on what appears the “better player” right now.

Rookie seasons aside it seems pretty evident that Scoot Henderson will be the player with the better NBA stats, the question for Charlotte is if their decision to go with the better fit pays dividends moving forward.

The Blazers ultimately ended up as one of the biggest winners thanks to the Hornets front office decision as they picked up Henderson with the #3 pick.

The biggest question mark around the pick is whether his future lays in Portland or if the team will look to use their most prized asset to facilitate a star to partner with Damian Lillard in NBA free agency.

Grading the NBA Draft Winners and Losers

In a loaded draft class, it was hard for the top NBA teams to miss but it’s also clear that some teams came out better than others.

Here’s a look at our NBA Draft Winners and Losers grades from across the league:

For NBA betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• NBA Draft: Second Overall Pick Odds Sway Between Miller and Henderson
• Chris Paul Next Team Odds: Who Gives Him the Best Shot at the ‘Chip? (Editors Update) Paul Has Been Traded to the GS Warriors
• Al Horford Next Team Odds: Will Celtics Trade Veteran Big Man?
• Dillon Brooks Next Team Odds: From Memphis, With Love
• LeBron James Next Team Odds: The Best Fits for the Aged “King”