Inside The Rockets

Rockets Could Add 'Next Jonathan Isaac' in NBA Draft

The Houston Rockets may look to add some size in the NBA Draft next season.

Jeremy Brener

Oct 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) dunks the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Oct 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) dunks the ball against Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (1) during the second half at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images / Mike Watters-Imagn Images
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The Houston Rockets have a lot of young talent, but they could look to add more in the 2025 NBA Draft.

With the potential of two first-round picks, the Rockets could add another young star to their future.

One place the Rockets could use some youth is the backup center position, which is where Syracuse big man Donnie Freeman, who was compared to Orlando Magic defensive specialist Jonathan Isaac by Bleacher Report analyst Jonathan Wasserman.

"Donnie Freeman has risen into the one-and-done discussion by flashing more and more perimeter skill and scoring versatility at 6'9"," Wasserman writes. "He's likely to look skilled yet raw, with an ability to make threes, attack closeouts and score in the post—just without consistent execution. The idea of a big wing and combo forward with Freeman's defensive tools should keep scouts patient through low three-point percentages and trouble against physicality."

The Rockets have Alperen Sengun signed on for a new five-year contract set to begin next season, but there is uncertainty in the depth behind him with Steven Adams entering free agency. Jock Landale also doesn't have any guarantees in his contract beyond this season, so the team could look for some more depth at center.

If Freeman has a good rookie season with Syracuse, he could find himself being taken in the first round by the Rockets next summer.

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Jeremy Brener
JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.

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