Space City Scoop

The 2024 NBA Draft is just under eight months away, and it is still extremely early in the process. The G League Ignite has played a few exhibitions and leagues across Europe are underway. NCAA basketball kicks off on Nov. 6 and will give everyone a much clearer picture of this class. The Rockets enter the season in a precarious position. They upgraded their roster this summer in hopes of jumping back into contention but could be on the outside of the playoff picture in the crowded Western Conference. Houston owes their 2024 first-round pick to the Thunder with just a top-four protection. Even the team with the worst regular season record can fall to fifth in the lottery, so it will certainly be a nervous night if the Rockets miss the playoffs. Houston has a ton of young talent, including 2023 fourth overall pick Amen Thompson and could end up with two firsts in 2024. This class lacks a defined number-one pick but has plenty of intriguing options. Here is a way-too-early look at how things stand.