Houston Rockets: 5 players to avoid in the 2017 NBA Draft

January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) shoots a basket against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) shoots a basket against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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Houston Rockets
January 5, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; California Golden Bears forward Ivan Rabb (1) shoots a basket against the UCLA Bruins during the first half at Pauley Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Rockets have a plethora of talented players they can choose from in this deep draft. However, here are five they must stay away from.

The Houston Rockets hold the No. 43 and 45 picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. Even though they don’t have a first-rounder, that isn’t a bad spot to be. This year is thought of as being one of the deeper drafts in recent memory, so the Rockets should hope to find a contributor from one of those selections.

The second round is typically known for three types of players.

First, upperclassmen who have had very successful careers in college but don’t have the physical traits necessary to carry that success to the next level.

Secondly, lower classmen who have some raw and physical athletic ability but weren’t able to put it together in college on a consistent basis. If everything goes right for them, they could have some significant upside.

Finally, foreign prospects who are still relatively unknown. Scouts haven’t been able to get all the information about their game or struggle to identify the type of competition they’re playing against. It’s also unknown when or if they will come to the NBA.

We’ve already covered who the Rockets should look at with the 43rd and 45th picks. Now, let’s dive into five players they should avoid like a metaphorical plague. These players are either guys who don’t project well at the NBA level or who wouldn’t make sense with Houston based on the way they play and the shots they hunt for.

The Rockets have a good thing going for them and can’t afford to take any steps back. Because of that, Houston should stay away from these dudes.