The Phoenix Suns have suffered another loss, with their draft pick now having a 1.5% chance of securing the number one overall pick in this year's draft and a 7.1% chance of landing a top-four pick. Some Houston Rockets fans are hoping to secure one of the top three picks and bring Dylan Harper back to Houston, envisioning him as their new "prince."
Dylan Harper, dubbed the "Little Harden" by draft experts, recently scored 16 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished out 12 assists with 3 steals and 1 block, committing only 1 turnover, leading his team to victory.
Harper, 19 years old and standing at 1.98 meters tall, is a versatile guard capable of playing both shooting guard and point guard roles, reminiscent of James Harden.
This season, Harper has played 13 games for Rutgers University, averaging 34 minutes per game with 22.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.5 blocks, boasting a 52.5% field goal percentage, 37.3% from three-point range, and 75% from the free-throw line.
Harper possesses good athleticism, able to drive to the basket and finish after physical contact with defenders. He utilizes the Euro step effectively, drawing fouls and converting them into free throws. This season, he averages 6.5 free throw attempts per game, inflicting damage on opposing frontcourts. Harper also has a reliable outside shot, averaging 1.9 three-pointers made per game.
He demonstrates excellent court vision, willingly sharing the ball, and is actively involved in defense, seeking opportunities to steal and block shots to prevent opponents from scoring.
Harper's scoring prowess is impressive; he is the first freshman in NCAA Division I history over the past 20 seasons to score 35+ points in consecutive games, drawing attention from NBA scouts.
As the son of NBA legend Ron Harper, Dylan Harper is considered a top-three prospect for the 2025 draft class, with experts likening him to former Rockets cornerstone, James Harden.
With the Suns' performance declining this season, the value of their draft pick has increased significantly. The Rockets management is evaluating the worth of the Suns' first-round pick and is unlikely to part with it easily.
Some American media outlets suggest that the Rockets should trade the Suns' pick plus Jalen Green for either Devin Booker or De'Aaron Fox. Retired Houston journalist Feigen previously revealed that Stone is searching for a cornerstone player, aiming to lead the Rockets to an NBA championship.
Neither Booker nor Fox fits the profile of a cornerstone player.
In a recent home game against the Memphis Grizzlies, Booker returned but struggled, shooting 20 times for only 16 points, making 2 of 8 three-point attempts, and committing 3 turnovers. This season, Booker's field goal percentage near the basket is a mere 49.6%, while Jalen Green, often criticized by Rockets fans, has a higher percentage at 58.4%. Although Booker excels in shooting and passing compared to Green, his decline is evident. Booker's salary this season exceeds 50million,anditwillreach62.06 million in the 2027-2028 season.
Regarding Fox, despite his impressive statistics, he has never proven his leadership abilities. There were even reports a few years ago that the Kings wanted to trade him away.
Houston journalist Jackson Gatlin updated his social media, stating that although Fox is not a superstar, he could form a good partnership with Alperen Sengun, suggesting that Van Jordan is not the solution for the Rockets. Last season, Gatlin hinted that the Rockets should trade away Jalen Green, indicating his dissatisfaction with both starting guards.
Rockets General Manager Stone has not shown any intention of making significant trades this season, stating that he will assess the situation after the season ends. However, many Rockets fans are growing impatient, expressing their frustration with both Van Jordan and Jalen Green.