NBA Draft 2021: NBA Mock Draft 4.0 with lottery odds set

With the second of their three first-rounders this year, Houston opts for more shooting by adding Duarte, who went from a draft afterthought to someone that won’t make it out of the first round after an Elite 8 appearance with the Ducks.

Duarte might not be the best athlete in the world, and the fact that he was in college for so long is driving his stock down due to the fact that he might be close to maxing out his potential, but he is a top-flight shooter and one of the best defensive players in the Pac-12 conference.

Stephen Silas is committed to playing fast and shooting as many 3-pointers as possible, and a player like Duarte would be a major boost for his scheme. He could start off as a sixth man, but it shouldn’t take long to push him into the starting lineup.

The Rockets end their first-round journey by grabbing some size in Bassey. Christian Wood is a terrific center, but he lacks the muscle to handle bigger lineups at the 5 spot, and Bassey could allow Houston to throw out a few different looks.

Every bit of 6-11 with a 7-3 wingspan, Bassey is a premier rebounder and dominant shot-blocker that morphed into a double-double machine with the Hilltoppers. Bassey is a bit raw, but the upside on both ends is crazy.

The Rockets don’t need to find their next Hakeem at pick No. 24. They just need muscle and finishing at the rim, and Bassey warrants consideration despite an offensive game that can use some work.