Houston Rockets: 5 options for pick No. 46 in 2018 NBA Draft
By Jason Elbaum
3. Omari Spellman, PF/C — Villanova
A member of Villanova’s national championship team this season, Omari Spellman gave Jay Wright’s group quality minutes throughout the season and during the team’s tournament run. He made a somewhat questionable decision to keep his name in the NBA Draft after just one year at Villanova, but that could open the door for him to fall to the Rockets at No. 46.
The former five-star recruit averaged 10.9 points and 8.0 rebounds in his freshman campaign to go along with 1.5 blocks per game. Perhaps his most impressive attribute is his tenacity on the offensive boards, as he is known for using his strength and instincts to battle for position. This is something that should definitely translate to the NBA level.
However, the fit might not be there for the Rockets and Spellman in terms of the scheme that Mike D’Antoni likes to play. Spellman is somewhat overweight for his 6’9″ frame, which is not conducive to Houston’s fast-paced style of play.
Spellman fills the Rockets’ need for frontcourt depth, but he is not quite ready to make a huge impact on the team’s rotation immediately. He will likely spend time in the G League wherever he is drafted, but there is enough upside here to consider the young prospect with the 46th pick.