On May 16, Beijing time, according to NBA reporter Kelly Iko, the Rockets evaluated this rookie internally, and the management was very optimistic about the tall point guard Topic from Serbia. With a height of 1.98 meters and an arm span of 2.11 meters, Topeic has excellent passing vision and physical confrontation ability, which is highly valued by the Rockets' management. It is reported that the Rockets management is not satisfied with VanVleet's performance this season, and the Rockets will most likely not execute VanVleet's last 1 year of contract. As a result, the Rockets will go all out to get a point guard this summer.
Rockets management believes that Topic can form a good chemistry with Rockets center Shin Kyung, and at the same time, can enrich Udoka's tactical options. The European blocking and dismantling style based on Shen Jing + Topic, and the American defensive counterattack style based on Jalen Green + Amen Thompson, can deal with different opponents. In addition, the Rockets have four 3-and-D players on the front line, namely Smith, Eason, Whitmore and Brooks, as well as backup center Adams and starting point guard VanVleet. So, the goals of the rocket are already very clear.
However, according to the predictions of multiple draft media, Topeic has a high probability of being selected by the Wizards with the second pick. And the Rockets do not rule out the possibility of an upward trade. The Rockets currently have three expiring contracts with Tate, Landale and Jeff Green, which have a certain trade value. While there are also point guards such as Shepard, Erlingham, Collier and Castle among the rookies, Rockets general manager Stone believes that Topeic has a chance to become an All-Star caliber player in the future. Topic's draft templates are Dragic and Cunningham.