Overview
- The Rockets completed a multi‑team second‑round deal on Wednesday to acquire the No. 31 pick and used it to select Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton.
- Houston surrendered its No. 39 and No. 53 picks plus a 2029 second‑round selection acquired from Sacramento in exchange for the 31st pick and cash, then flipped pick 55 to the Clippers for cash.
- Thornton finished his Ohio State career as the program’s all‑time leading scorer, averaging 19.9 points, about 5 rebounds and roughly 4 assists as a senior while shooting around 40% from three.
- Rockets evaluators praised Thornton’s toughness, decision‑making and shot‑making and project him as a near‑term backup ball‑handler who fits coach Ime Udoka’s win‑now rotations.
- The main question is Thornton’s NBA size where he measured about 6'0" barefoot; his heavy 223‑pound frame and roughly 6'5" wingspan may help but will be tested in camp and early regular‑season minutes.