2021 NBA Draft Lottery: Who should each team take with the No. 1 pick?

The Houston Rockets are a blank slate. Or at least a messy chalkboard in the process of being erased. They have a slew of picks over the next few years. John Wall will be unloaded at the first opportunity and even their last big free-agent signing, Christian Wood, has probably moved on by the time the next iteration of this team is a playoff contender. The future of the Rockets is Kevin Porter Jr. (maybe) and whoever they start adding through the draft.

Either Cunningham or Mobley would be an excellent foundational piece for the Rockets moving forward, giving them talent and upside to build around. But for a team that has so few pieces in place to begin with, getting a creator of Cunningham’s ability makes a lot more sense. He can help elevate and make things easier for the young players they’re adding over the next few years, building the foundation organically. Mobley may lead the Rockets onto a specific path, necessitating some experienced creators early on to aid his development. Any scenario where the Rockets stay in the top-four and keep their pick is a win. But landing Cade Cunningham at No.1 is the best-case scenario.