The 2021 NBA Draft is regarded as one of the strongest classes in recent history. The Houston Rockets emerged as significant beneficiaries of this draft. They originally selected Jalen Green with the second overall pick and Alperen Sengun at 16. Both players have actively contributed to the team’s progress and performance.
Key Players from the 2021 NBA Draft
- Jalen Green: Drafted at No. 2, he has shown promise despite being traded this offseason.
- Alperen Sengun: The 16th pick, this Turkish center has become a franchise cornerstone.
Alperen Sengun’s Impact
Alperen Sengun has emerged as a standout player, boasting impressive averages of 22.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His versatility in scoring, rebounding, and playmaking marks him as an essential asset for the Rockets.
2021 NBA Re-Draft Insights
In a recent analysis by Dan Favale from Bleacher Report, a hypothetical re-draft of the 2021 NBA class was proposed. In this scenario, the Rockets’ selections would significantly differ.
- Draft Pick No. 2: Cade Cunningham, currently with the Detroit Pistons, who averaged 26.1 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 9.1 assists last season.
- Draft Pick No. 16: Cam Thomas from the Brooklyn Nets, noted for his isolation scoring capabilities.
Cade Cunningham’s Potential
Cunningham has distinguished himself as a top-tier player and is recognized for revitalizing his team’s dynamics. As Favale noted, his “dynamic size” positions him as a potential franchise cornerstone for any NBA team.
Cam Thomas’s Role
Cam Thomas, at just 23, is one of the league’s leading isolation scorers. He is currently averaging 21.4 points per game, although concerns about efficiency and consistency have been raised.
Future Implications for the Rockets
If Cunningham and Thomas had been drafted by the Rockets, their trajectory might be vastly different. Their inclusion could have influenced the team’s decision-making regarding trades, such as acquiring Kevin Durant. Moreover, fitting Thomas into Ime Udoka’s defense-oriented approach adds another layer of intrigue.
The possibilities are many, and while the original draft saw the Rockets make strong selections, a reimagined strategy could have transformed their current standing in the NBA.
