Houston Rockets: Targeting Kostas Antetokounmpo is the best move

The NBA draft is today! The Houston Rockets‘ best move is to target teenager Kostas Antetokounmpo is the best move at 46th overall. Let’s take a look.

Hopefully, you recognize that last name. Yes, that’s right. Kostas Antetokounmpo (pronounced “Adedo-koonbo”) is Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s younger brother. The Houston Rockets would be extremely wise to target the younger Antetokounmpo in tonight’s draft. You could also take a look at three others guys who could help the team out.

Sure, the teenager is less highly touted than his freak of an older brother. However, the Houston Rockets don’t need the Greek Freak, they need Kostas.

While Kostas is off a similar athletic profile as his older brother, their games differ. The younger Antetokounmpo stands at 6’10 ½” but, only weighs 195 lbs. However, his wingspan is 7’2″. That is some absolutely incredible length to pair with a 35″ vertical. Take a look at what he has to say about his own game.

"“I feel like I can play multiple positions,” he said at the combine. “I can play the 3, 4 or 5. I’m tall, athletic. Like Clint Capela, his timing, his shot-blocking ability, the way he plays defends, guards multiple positions,” he added. “I feel like my game is close to him.”"

Clint Capela you say?! Interesting. Especially considering he is already a member of the Houston Rockets. When the Rockets drafted Capela out of Switzerland, he was extremely raw yet, a little more experience. We all know what Capela has transformed into.

So how is Antetokounmpo not projected to go higher? Well for one, he has next to no credible basketball experience. He was recruited to play collegiate basketball at Dayton University. He redshirted but, after that first year, the coach that recruited him left the school. His next coach didn’t see eye to eye with Antetokounmpo and there was plenty of strife.

Antetokounmpo averaged 5.2 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15.1 minutes per game. He also made 2/15 threes on the year. Those numbers don’t scream NBA prospect, do they?

So, why target Antetokounmpo?

Let’s jump back to that self-proclaimed Capela comparison. Capela has become an integral part of this team. The offense wouldn’t be the same without him. The defense wouldn’t be the same without him.

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While Capela is a phenomenal player and has developed well, he wouldn’t be where he’s out without this organization. The influence Hakeem Olajuwon and countless others have had is immeasurable. Capela’s offensive repertoire is phenomenal and nearly unrivaled as a classic big.

Antetokounmpo will need a year or so, just as Capela did. But, after that, I believe that he could begin to carve out an impact role off of the bench. Antetokounmpo can learn underneath Capela and Olajuwon, develop his offensive profile and put on weight to gain more defensive prowess.

Antetokounmpo is exactly the guy the Houston Rockets need to be looking for in the draft. With having only one pick, the 46th overall, they’re not going to find an instant impact player. The team needs to target a player with immense potential and athletic dominance. Antetokounmpo fits that bill to a T.

His physical tools are more than there. His basketball tools need to catch up. A second-round flier on this guy will prove to be more than worth it. He’s being extremely undervalued and has a shot to become a consistent impact player. Sure, it may be a “reach” to get him at 46 but, Daryl Morey is known to take risks. This is the one to take. This is the best move for the Houston Rockets.

Next: Four reasons why Lebron must join the Rockets

The Rockets don’t need Antetokounmpo to be his older brother. They don’t need him to be Capela either. What the Rockets need is a guy to come in and work his butt off to get better. Antetokounmpo will do just that. Pair that with the athleticism and look out.

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