Mock Draft 2.0: Final mock before Thursday's 2021 NBA Draft

The Houston Rockets are back on the podium for the 23rd overall pick in the draft, and I have them selecting Tennessee's Jaden Springer.

Like with their second overall pick, the Rockets need to focus on finding young players with high upside regardless of how they may fit within the current roster. I have a strong feeling that John Wall's time with the team will be coming to an end sooner rather than later, and I think that placing Springer next to Jalen Green would make for a backcourt with tons of potential.

Compared to Green, Springer would bring a different dynamic to the Rockets' backcourt. While Green is underrated as an off-ball defender, Springer is a suffocating on-ball defender. On offense, while Green would bring tremendous speed and leaping ability, Springer would add a needed dose of strength that he could use to bully his way into the paint.

While Springer didn't play as a true playmaking point guard at Tennessee, he's one of the youngest players in the draft and could certainly improve as a playmaker, particularly if he doesn't have as much pressure on him to score. His biggest area of improvement at this point in his career by far is his ball-handling ability, but if he can improve on that and maintain his efficient shooting, he and Green could turn into a very talented backcourt duo.