The Houston Rockets are one of six NBA teams without a first-round pick in Tuesday’s 2026 NBA Draft. With that in mind, Houston will have to find as much value as they can in the second round, currently holding the No. 39 and 53 selections. While previous mock drafts have linked the Rockets to shot-blocking machine Ugonna Onyenso (Virginia), a new mock conducted by Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman hinted at a new possibility.
Wasserman predicted that Houston would land Izaiyah Nelson from South Florida. After three years at Arkansas State in the Sun Belt Conference, Nelson transferred to USF of the American Conference and took home Player of the Year Award honors. Throughout his senior campaign, Nelson averaged 15.9 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.4 blocks. Although Nelson’s 3-point shot needs some work (14.3% from deep), his athleticism is off the charts. Nelson is listed at 6’9″ with a 7’3″ wingspan, the same measurements as Michigan’s Yaxel Lendeborg. Although the Rockets could certainly use more outside shooting, Nelson’s defense, athleticism and work rate could make him a great defensive piece in Houston’s rotation.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: NBA mock draft links Rockets to American Conference Player of the Year
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire | USA TODAY Network
