After trading their 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Russell Westbrook in 2019, the Houston Rockets are left with just two second-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft (Nos. 39 and 53). With this in mind, what type of talent can Houston expect to find beyond the first round? Here is a list of the last five No. 39 overall picks.
2025 – SG Alijah Martin TOR
Considering Toronto’s crowded rotation, former Florida Gator Alijah Martin was given limited opportunites, averaging 2.2 points and 0.9 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per game during his rookie season.
2024 – SG Jaylen Wells MEM
Since the 2024 NBA Draft, Jaylen Wells has blossomed into a consistent all-around player, being named to the 2024-25 All-Rookie team and finishing third in Rookie of the Year Award voting. Last season with Memphis, Wells averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 steals.
2023 – PF Mouhamed Gueye CHO
Mouhamed Gueye never suited up for the Hornets, but after draft-night trades from Charlotte and Boston, he has played parts of his first three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. In 116 career games he’s averaged 4.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks.
2022 – C Khalifa Diop CLE
Diop was a “draft and stash” prospect who never transitioned from overseas to the NBA. He currently plays for Saska Baskonia in the Liga ACB.
2021 – C Neemias Queta SAC
Although Neemias Queta didn’t develop with the team that drafted him, only making 20 appearances for the Kings in his first two seasons, the Portugese center has found a home in Boston. Last season, he averaged career-high numbers: 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals.
Other notable No. 39 overall picks include Khris Middleton (2012) and Jerami Grant (2014).
While the margin for error with the No. 39 overall selection can be high, Houston should be optimistic heading into a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, as Queta and Wells are great success stories from the same draft position. Additionally, both players found success in different ways, with Wells contributing right away and Queta taking some time to develop. If the Rockets are able to select a player who mirrors the production of either, they will have done very well.
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: What can Houston expect at No. 39? A look at the 5 previous No. 39 picks
Reporting by Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire / Rockets Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Mack Baltes, Rockets Wire | USA TODAY Network
