The Houston Rockets have spent much of the last decade reshaping their roster through the draft. From lottery picks like Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard to later gems such as Alperen Şengün and Tari Eason, the organization has leaned heavily on homegrown talent.
That trend took a pause in 2025 when the Rockets dealt away their first-round pick to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for future Hall of Famer Kevin Durant. The blockbuster move signaled Houston’s commitment to winning now, but it also left them without a selection in last year’s draft.
Looking ahead, Houston will re-enter the board in 2026, holding a second-round pick. In a recent mock draft from Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman, the Rockets were projected to grab Kentucky wing Otega Oweh at No. 57 overall.
Why Oweh Fits the Rockets’ Mold
Oweh has built a reputation as an explosive athlete with elite defensive instincts and the ability to thrive in transition. Scouts remain cautious about his perimeter shooting, but his combination of strength, quickness, and toughness fits the identity Houston has pursued in recent drafts. His skill set mirrors players like Tari Eason, Josh Okogie, and Cameron Matthews—wings who defend first and contribute offensively in spurts.
“Oweh followed up a strong first season at Kentucky with flashes at the NBA combine,” Wasserman noted. “He still needs to become a more consistent shooter, but his physical tools, driving ability, and defense keep him on draft boards.”
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Oweh’s college career has been defined by steady improvement:
Season Team PPG RPG APG SPG Shooting Splits
2022-23 Oklahoma 4.8 2.1 0.2 1.2 44.3 / 25 / 65
2023-24 Oklahoma 11.4 3.8 1.0 1.5 49.3 / 37.7 / 64.3
2024-25 Kentucky 16.2 4.7 1.7 1.6 49.2 / 35.5 / 77.6
His junior campaign at Kentucky cemented him as more than just a role player. Oweh caught fire down the stretch, scoring 20+ points in five of his final seven regular-season games. He added a 27-point outburst against Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament and chipped in 20 points in the NCAA Tournament against Troy.
What’s Next?
For Oweh to climb draft boards, his three-point shooting will need to take another leap. Even knocking down open catch-and-shoot looks at a higher clip could unlock his potential as a reliable two-way NBA contributor.
If the Rockets follow recent trends, investing in defense-first wings with upside, Oweh could be an ideal late-second-round steal—someone who adds depth, energy, and versatility to a team already brimming with young talent.
