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

1. Ivan Rabb, PF/C, California

Ivan Rabb is perhaps the best-known prospect on this list. He was supposed to be a first-rounder going into college two seasons ago but has disappointed ever since.

He did make improvements last season, though, as he averaged 14 points and 10.5 rebounds per game, both of which were career-highs.

If everything falls into place for Rabb, he could make a great small-ball center for an NBA team someday. However, let’s hope the Rockets aren’t the team that tries to make it happen.

Rabb may have some athleticism but it doesn’t translate into overly positive results for the big man. Even though he stands 6’10” with a 7’2″ wingspan, Rabb is not a shot-blocking presence. He doesn’t strike fear into the heart of his opponent as they know they can drive to the rim with little resistance from Rabb.

This is mostly due to the lack of jumping explosion and strength that Rabb has. He is very lean and is only listed at 215 pounds. That’s the same weight Kevin Durant was when he came into the league all those years ago.

Rabb could fit the role as the big man in the Rockets’ offense and rely on pick-and-rolls and basket cuts to get his points. His potential to be anything more than that, unfortunately, isn’t there.

He will likely get bullied down low on both ends of the floor and be unable to set adequate screens. He’s also a defensive liability and isn’t the last line of defense Houston is looking for from their big man.

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All in all, if Daryl Morey is smart, which we know he is, he will cross these five players off his prospect list.