Houston Rockets: 2017 NBA Draft Grades

Houston Rockets / Isaiah Hartenstein (43rd) / Center / Germany

Grade: B+

Stats: 1.0 point per game, 0.8 rebounds per game, 0.2 assists per game on 67/0/100 shooting splits in very limited action.

Analysis: Without a first round pick, Daryl Morey looked into Europe by way of Eugene, Oregon. Hartenstein fills a need for the Rockets, but he probably will not be playing in the NBA in the next year or two. Look for Hartenstein to spend the next year or two in Europe developing a shot that needs to be fixed. Once he arrives in the league he should compete with Clint Capela for the starting center spot for the Rockets.

I really do like this pick for the Rockets as he should develop into a slightly above average center in the league with how good Houston’s player development system is.

Fit:

· Rockets needs entering draft: Front court depth

· Player address those needs?
The Rockets are in need of another big body. Nene is not getting any younger and has been in the league since the Sonics existed and Clint Capela is a good, young player, but he might not be the long-term solution at center for Houston. This is where Hartenstein could eventually fit in.

· Immediate or future help?
He should be on the Rockets roster by 2019. It would not shock me if he played summer ball with the Rockets before going overseas again (rarely happens).

· Where on roster?
He’s going to come in at the center position. He’s a project and needs to add a few pounds as he’s already a big 225 pounds.