On May 15, Beijing time, the 2024 No. 1 top rookie Riesache liked the social media of Rockets star Jalen Green. This summer, the Rockets have the No. 3 pick in the first round, and the Hawks and Wizards have the No. 1 and No. 2 picks. Because the Hawks and Wizards are too bloated at the forward position, there is a high probability that Risache will fall out of the top 2 picks. Although the Rockets have also drafted four forward players in the past two summers, Rockets general manager Stone said that he will prioritize the talent ceiling of rookies. So as the best 3-and-D forward player in the class of 2024, Risache has a good chance of being drafted by the Rockets.
Born in April 2005, Risache currently plays in Ligue 1. Standing at 2.03 meters tall, he has a very consistent three-point ability, as well as good passing ability, and is also an excellent winding defender on the defensive end. The Rockets already have Tari Eason at the small forward position, and if the Rockets draft Reisacher, then Eason will remain on the bench as a backup for Smith and Reisache. In addition to Risache, the Rockets are also interested in another European player, Topić. Topic has excellent dynamic and static talent, as well as a very high ball quotient. But inconsistent three-point shooting and injury-prone physicality could affect his draft prospects.
I have to say that for the Rockets, whether it is Sarr, Risache, or Topić, they are all good additions. After all, the Rockets were lucky to go from the No. 9 pick to the No. 3 pick. In addition, the U.S. media is not optimistic that the Rockets will be able to trade the No. 3 pick. Previously, the Jazz's psychological expectation for Markkanen was a star player, plus five first-round picks in return. So, apart from the Thunder, there may be few teams that can trade for All-Star level players.