For a second straight year, the Rockets defied the odds in the NBA draft lottery. One year after landing the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 first round, which resulted in Jalen Green, Houston secured the No. 3 pick in the 2022 first round with a fortuitious draw on Tuesday night.
The Rockets had only a 27.4% chance of picking at No. 2 or higher in 2021 and a 40.1% of being at No. 3 or higher in 2022, yet the lottery draw (pick odds) worked to their advantage on both occasions.
If Houston keeps the No. 3 pick in the 2022 first round, they should have an opportunity to draft one of the consensus top-three prospects: Gonzaga big Chet Holmgren, Duke forward Paolo Banchero, and Auburn forward Jabari Smith. Purdue guard Jaden Ivey and Kentucky wing Shaedon Sharpe could also potentially work their way into the discussion.
Here’s a sampling of the reaction from Rockets fans and media members on social media after Tuesday’s lottery result went final. Next up is the 2022 NBA draft, which will take place on Thursday, June 23.
