Houston Rockets Target Three Impact Prospects in 2026 NBA Draft Second Round

The Houston Rockets are building for a championship future. Their current roster is already a contender. Yet, the team is also planning for the next generation. According to a new Bleacher Report analysis, Houston holds three valuable second-round picks for the 2026 NBA Draft. Expert Jonathan Wasserman projects them to target specific, high-value college players.

This strategic move focuses on adding depth and specialized skills. The Rockets own their own second-round selection. They are also projected to receive picks from the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers. This gives General Manager Rafael Stone significant capital to work with in the later rounds of the draft.

Detailed Look at Houston’s Projected Draft Selections

With the 48th overall pick, Wasserman projects the Rockets to select Andrej Stojakovic. The Illinois forward is averaging 14.8 points per game. His inside scoring has impressed scouts recently. However, his three-point shooting remains a concern at just 22.9% this season.

At pick number 51, Houston is linked to BYU guard Richie Saunders. He is a prolific off-ball scorer, averaging 18.6 points. Saunders is seen as an elite movement shooter who can space the floor. His pro comparison is Indiana Pacers’ reliable shooter Ben Sheppard.

The final pick, number 54, could be Morez Johnson Jr. from Michigan. The 6-foot-9 sophomore averages 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds. He is viewed as a classic role player. Johnson would provide muscle, offensive rebounding, and interior defense for the Rockets.

Strategic Shift from Rebuilding to Refining a Contender

This draft approach signals a clear evolution for the franchise. The Rockets are no longer in a pure talent-acquisition phase. They are now a 20-win team looking for specific role players. The goal is to find prospects who can contribute to a winning system immediately.

The emphasis is on players who fit defined NBA roles. Stojakovic offers scoring versatility. Saunders provides essential shooting. Johnson brings physicality and rebounding. Each selection addresses a potential niche need for a team with championship aspirations. This is the draft strategy of a confident, forward-thinking organization.

The Houston Rockets’ 2026 NBA Draft strategy highlights a franchise in a new competitive window. By targeting three distinct second-round prospects, they aim to add the final pieces to a rising contender.

A quick knowledge drop for you

How many second-round picks do the Rockets have in 2026?

The Houston Rockets are projected to have three second-round selections. They hold their own pick and are expected to receive additional picks from the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers.

Who is Andrej Stojakovic?

Andrej Stojakovic is a forward playing for the University of Illinois. He is averaging 14.8 points per game but is shooting poorly from three-point range this season, which is a noted area for improvement.

What does Richie Saunders bring to a team?

Richie Saunders is a sharpshooting guard from BYU. He is an excellent off-ball scorer and movement shooter, averaging 18.6 points, which fits the modern NBA’s need for floor-spacing.

What is Morez Johnson Jr.’s projected NBA role?

Morez Johnson Jr. is seen as a traditional big man role player. His strengths are interior defense, rebounding, and finishing easy baskets around the rim, providing toughness off the bench.

Why is this draft important for the Rockets?

This draft is key because the Rockets are now contenders. They need to find ready-made role players who can contribute to winning, rather than raw, long-term development projects.

Where can I find the full mock draft analysis?

The projections and analysis cited in this article come from NBA draft expert Jonathan Wasserman’s latest mock draft published by Bleacher Report.