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Mock draft roundup: Who experts project Rockets to pick in first round

We’re now less than one week away from when the 2021 NBA draft takes place on Thursday, July 29. That’s an extremely meaningful day to the Houston Rockets, in particular, since they currently own three first-round picks at No. 2, No. 23, and No. 24 overall.

At the moment, G League Ignite guard Jalen Green appears to be the consensus favorite for that top selection. However, University of Southern California (USC) center Evan Mobley and Gonzaga guard Jalen Suggs are also believed to be considerations for the Rockets.

Oklahoma State wing Cade Cunningham appears poised to go No. 1 overall, according to several recent reports. That would mean that he’s not an option at the No. 2 pick. Unless the Rockets or some other team trade up for that top selection, Cunningham looks destined for Detroit.

Here’s a look at who mock drafts published during the week of July 19-23 have going to the Rockets at each spot in the first round. For further breakdowns and scouting reports on each player, check out the latest mock draft by For The Win draft guru Bryan Kalbrosky.

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Pick No. 2, first round

Photo by Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Jalen Green— Gary Parrish, CBS Sports (July 23) Jalen Green Sam Vecenie, The Athletic (July 22) Jalen Green Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer (July 22) Jalen Suggs — Matt Norlander, CBS Sports (July 22) Evan Mobley — Ben DuBose, Rookie Wire (July 22) Jalen Green — NBADraft.net (July 22) Cade Cunningham Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports (July 22) Jalen Green — Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (July 21) Jalen Green — Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated (July 20) Jalen Suggs — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports (July 20) Jalen Green — Brad Rowland, Dime (July 20) Jalen Green — Tankathon (July 19) Jalen Green — Colin Ward-Henninger, CBS Sports (July 19) Jalen Green — Krysten Peek, Yahoo Sports (July 19)

Pick No. 23, first round

Photo by Denny Simmons/IndyStar via USA TODAY Sports

Sharife Cooper — Gary Parrish, CBS Sports (July 23) Kai Jones Sam Vecenie, The Athletic (July 22) Jalen Johnson Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer (July 22) Kai Jones — Matt Norlander, CBS Sports (July 22) Cameron Thomas — Ben DuBose, Rookie Wire (July 22) Alperen Sengun — NBADraft.net (July 22) Jared Butler — Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports (July 22) Jaden Springer — Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (July 21) Nah'Shon Hyland — Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated (July 20) Ayo Dosunmu — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports (July 20) Ziaire Williams — Brad Rowland, Dime (July 20) Usman Garuba — Tankathon (July 19) Isaiah Jackson — Colin Ward-Henninger, CBS Sports (July 19) Jared Butler — Krysten Peek, Yahoo Sports (July 19)

Pick No. 24, first round

Photo by Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Jeremiah Robinson-Earl — Gary Parrish, CBS Sports (July 23) Miles McBride Sam Vecenie, The Athletic (July 22) Isaiah Jackson Kevin O'Connor, The Ringer (July 22) Tre Mann — Gary Parrish, CBS Sports (July 22) Trey Murphy III — Ben DuBose, Rookie Wire (July 22) Nah'Shon Hyland — NBADraft.net (July 22) Kai Jones — Jason McIntyre, Fox Sports (July 22) Ziaire Williams — Jonathan Wasserman, Bleacher Report (July 21) Joshua Primo — Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated (July 20) Jared Butler — Scott Gleeson, USA TODAY Sports (July 20) Tre Mann — Brad Rowland, Dime (July 20) Jared Butler — Tankathon (July 19) Sharife Cooper — Colin Ward-Henninger, CBS Sports (July 19) Cameron Thomas — Krysten Peek, Yahoo Sports (July 19) [listicle id=50445]

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