In July, the Rockets reeled in four first-round draftees, all of whom are expected to play an immediate role this season. In summer league, they collectively showed enough promise to leave anyone feeling bullish about the future, which is a lot more than can be said for other times the franchise had at least three first-round picks.
In 1998, Houston drafted Michael Dickerson with the 14th pick, Bryce Drew at No. 16 and Mirsad Turkcan at No. 18. Just three years later, they selected Richard Jefferson with the 13th pick, Jason Collins at No.