2023 NBA Mock Draft: Trail Blazers get future star, Magic surprise at 6
By Tyler Watts
20. Houston Rockets (via Clippers) take Brice Sensabaugh
The Rockets have two first-round picks in this draft and a mountain of cap space to reshape their roster this summer. Houston’s goal is to exit their rebuild and get back to contention. It won’t be easy in the loaded Western Conference, but the Rockets believe they can land a star to improve their chances.
Houston had the worst 3-point percentage last season and finished 22nd in attempts. The Rockets struggled to space the floor and it was one of the many reasons that they finished 27th in offensive rating. They selected Amen Thompson fourth overall in this mock draft, but he struggles to shoot the ball too. Houston desperately needs a floor spacer with this selection.
The Rockets have a lot of scorers, but none of them do it efficiently. If they add James Harden, he is going to want floor spacers around him. Sensabaugh shot 40.5 percent on his 148 3-point attempts during his lone season at Ohio State, and he is outstanding in the mid-range if teams chase him off the line. The 19-year-old could be a bucket in the NBA, and the Rockets would welcome his efficient shot-making ability.
Brice Sensabaugh has to improve his defense to play a significant nightly role in the NBA, but he is a strong value at 20 as one of the best scorers in this class.