NBA Draft: Should Rockets Trade Up for Dereck Lively II?

The Houston Rockets have the No. 20 pick in tonight's NBA Draft, but they may want to trade up in order to take Duke center Dereck Lively II.

If the Houston Rockets were to move up in tonight's NBA Draft, a player like Duke center Dereck Lively II would make a ton of sense for the team.

The Rockets are in need of rim protection desperately, especially after finishing as the No. 29 defense last season. Adding Lively to the group of big men with Alperen Sengun and Usman Garuba would give the position a little more balance.

The Rockets have the No. 20 pick and would need to trade up, likely into the lottery, to acquire Lively.

In a recent episode of the Kiss of Death Podcast, host Michael Brown spoke about why the Rockets should look to trade up for Lively.

In 34 games as a freshman, Lively averaged 5.2 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks on 65.8 percent shooting from the floor in just under 21 minutes per game.

Sure, 10 combined points and rebounds per game don't necessarily jump off the stat sheet, but it's the 2.4 blocks and the 7-8 wingspan that stand out while only playing half of the game on average. Most lottery prospects played north of 30 minutes per game.

Offensively, Lively should translate to the NBA as an elite rim-running big who can be a legit lob threat in the pick-and-roll or coming off a backdoor cut. As a whole, Lively is still raw on the offensive end of the floor when it comes to facing up or creating shots for himself, but recently showcased his improved jumper at his pro day with Klutch Sports.

Where Lively truly shines as a prospect is on the defensive end. You could argue that he is the best defensive prospect in the entire draft due to his instincts and potential. Again, 2.4 blocks in just 21 minutes per game is more than impressive. His ability to not just block shots at the rim but alter and contest shots on every possession is a game changer.

Lively's athleticism and agility also offers him the ability to step out onto the perimeter and be a threat defending in the pick-and-roll and switching onto smaller guards and wings.

Lively has flown up draft boards lately, and for good reason. If the Rockets want him, they will have to fly up the board as well.

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