Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft
169. . SF. Houston Rockets. Corey Kispert. 16. player
Re-drafting the 2021 NBA Draft — 16. Corey Kispert, Rockets
A big, physical 3-point sniper who doesn’t get punked on defense? Congrats, Corey Kispert, you’ll be in the NBA for a decade. The Rockets aren’t likely to find the next franchise cornerstone here, so rounding out the roster with quality role players who can elevate Evan Mobley, Christian Wood, and team’s best players is the hypothetical priority here.
Kispert is arguably the best pure shooter in the draft. He’s automatic from deep — spotting up, one dribble pull-ups, flying around screens, you name it. He’s the perfect off-ball complement for any offense, and while there are certain limitations inherent in Kispert’s game (he’s not exactly star material) he’s going to stick in the league for a long time. He has has star in his role potential.
The big thing here, again, is Kispert’s defense. He’s not a terrible defender, which separates him from a lot of the designated sharpshooters around the NBA. You can probably keep him on the floor in the postseason. He’s 6-foot-6, has some muscle, and he competes hard both ways. The Rockets should be quite happy with him at 16.