Unexpectedly! The Rockets 10th pick is the most likely choice - Carter Bryant

According to the latest simulated draft information on June 10, 2025 and the Rockets dynamics, combined with the team's lineup needs and draft strategy, the Rockets' No. 10 pick is most likely to choose wing shooter Carter Bryant, for the following reasons:

Carter Bryant

⚙️ 1. Analysis of the Rockets' current demand

1. There is no reinforcement priority in the backcourt

- Rockets' reporter Sam Vecenie made it clear that the team plans to renew VanVleet's contract for 3 years of $90 million to $100 million, and will reuse rookie Shepard as the point guard rotation next season. This means that the Rockets will not use the 10th pick to choose point guards (such as Yakucionis or Philes) to avoid overlapping positions.

- If you choose Philes (average 8.2 assists but weak defense), it will intensify the competition in the backcourt and conflict with the team's plan to train Shepard.

2. Flank shooting is a fatal weakness

- The Rockets ranked 22nd in the league in three-point shooting percentage last season, and lacked a stable outside firepower point. As a 3D forward, Carter Bryant has a three-point shooting percentage of 38%+ and a top three defensive efficiency in the United States (limiting the opponent's shooting percentage is only 38.7%), perfectly adapting to the Rockets' system needs.

2. Comparison of candidate rookies adaptability

Rookies Position Advantages Rockets Adaptation Risk

Carter Bryant, SF/PF, Top 3D, i.e. combat power and defense expert ★★★★★★★★, upper limit non-All-Stars

Yacuccionis, PG, organizational vision (Europa League 6.8 assists) ★★★☆☆☆, position conflict with Shepard

Fels, PG, pass creativity (NCAA 8.2 assists) ★★★☆☆☆, defensive shortcomings

Boyles, SF, projection potential ★★★☆☆ , Defensive Unverified

Key Conclusion: Bryant is the only rookie who can fill the Rockets' wing holes immediately without sacrificing the existing core rotation.

3. Rockets draft strategy evidence

1. Management released a clear signal

Team reporter Kelly Iko revealed that the Rockets' positioning of the No. 10 pick is "supplementing, combat power wing", rather than cultivating high-risk rookies. Bryant is the most mature defensive forward, in line with this strategy.

2. All other candidates have conflicts

- Although Yakucionis has been predicted by some media (such as), the Rockets have investigated Shepard's entire season and it is impossible to use the lottery to choose international players in the same position.

- Although Pheles fell to the 10th pick (formerly top 5), his defensive flaws (per-game breakouts of 4.1 times per game) are incompatible with Uduka's defensive system.

4. Potential variables: trading possibility

If the Rockets fail to choose Bryant in the end, it is more likely to happen because of the transaction:

- The Rockets may package the No. 10 pick + players (such as Jaylen Green) for the All-Star battle power.

- The Raptors (9th pick) are very interested in Bryant. If he intercepts the bell in advance, the Rockets may turn to alternative Bobi Klintman - another sports wing shooter, but lacks defensive experience.

Final conclusion

Carter Bryant is the optimal solution for the Rockets 10 pick (the probability is about 65%). Its plug-and-play 3D attributes and position-free characteristics are perfectly in line with the Rockets' "win in the present" team building policy. If the Wuduka system is not intercepted, the Uduka system will be the best stage for him to exert his defensive value.