2026 NBA mock drafts: Houston’s latest second-round projections
As things stand, the Rockets currently have two second-round picks (No. 39 and No. 53, overall) in the 2026 NBA draft.
Who might they select?
As things stand, the Rockets aren’t slated to have a first-round pick in the upcoming 2026 NBA draft , which takes place on June 23 and 24. That selection is owned by Oklahoma City as the final piece of the ill-fated July 2019 trade involving Chris Paul and Russell Westbrook. But the Rockets do own a pair of 2026 second-round selections at No.
39 (via Chicago) and No. 53, overall. The latter is based on Houston’s 52-30 record in the 2025-26 regular season.
For general manager Rafael Stone, it’s the first immediate opportunity of the 2026 offseason to upgrade a team that finished with matching regular-season records and disappointing first-round playoff exits in each of the past two years. And while second-round selections aren’t as likely to become long-term success stories, relative to their first-round counterparts, it’s certainly possible. Just look at the aforementioned Thunder, who are on the verge of yet another Western Conference finals appearance amid a strong performance from Ajay Mitchell — drafted at No.