ESPN names Connecticut player at No. 3 as player with the best value for the Rockets

The University of Connecticut will surely have two players taken in next week’s 2024 NBA Draft lottery, as Stephon Castle and Donovan Clingan are two of the best players in this year’s draft class. Both players won a championship with the Huskies, and Clingan even won two national titles during his time in Storrs.

The Huskies’ chances of winning three straight titles were nearly over before the start of the 2024-25 season, as coach Dan Hurley seriously considered the Los Angeles Lakers coaching position but ultimately decided to stay in Storrs.

The Houston Rockets were mentioned in mock drafts as possible destinations for any Connecticut player, although Clingan garnered significantly more buzz than Castle at No. 3. ESPN’s Jeremy Woo even named the Connecticut big man as the perfect choice for Rockets general manager Rafael Stone with the Brooklyn Nets selection.

“Many teams view Clingan as one of the best picks in the draft because he has the skills, talent and competitive qualities to be a high-level defensive center. Some scouts say he has a good case to be drafted No. 1, and any scenario where he falls to No. 3 or higher would be an excellent value play for the Rockets.”

Clingan is considered a viable shooter at the next level, and it’s easy to see why. Despite being 7’10”, Clingan has excellent lateral movement.

He was even compared to Rudy Gobert.

However, his inability to shoot could put him alongside Rockets center Alperen Sengun. On the other hand, he would also have to go after the second pick, which is far from certain.

Do you want to join the discussion? Like Inside the rockets on Facebook and Follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with all the latest Rockets news. You can also Meet the team behind the reporting.