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Is it wise for the Rockets to pass on Evan Mobley to grab JT Thor later?

JT Thor impressed at the NBA Draft combine in Chicago so would he be a good decision for the Rockets?

By Zach_Allen
Auburn v Arkansas Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images

Since Jalen Green could become a focus of the Houston Rockets, passing up on Evan Mobley might be a good decision. JT Thor of the Auburn Tigers is interesting prospect at 6’10” and had great workout in front of scouts. He impressed spectators in Chicago, Illinois at the draft combine. Thor averaged 9.4 points per game and shot 30 percent from three in college.

The Rockets previously worked out Thor in Houston, Texas.

He has the creativity of a guard at his height, which fits the NBA of today. Thor isn’t afraid to put the ball on the ground and challenge his defender. He showed scouts the ability to roll after setting a pick at different angles during his individual workout session. Thor’s mobility off a pick is important in the NBA.

Offensively, Thor has more room to grow in his career. He built a great relationship with Sharife Cooper at Auburn, who is another highly rated NBA prospect. So he has an idea of playing with an NBA guard when it comes to sharing a court. Cooper and Thor had a great pick-and-roll relationship in college so hopefully it’s the same with Kevin Porter Jr. and John Wall if selected by the Rockets.

He is resourceful in the pick-and-pop game but his shooting needs work. John Lucas will have an idea to improve his shooting in the NBA. I’d love to see Thor in horn sets for the Rockets’ offense. Stephan Silas has a ton of creativity and could use Thor in variety of ways like Christian Wood last season. Wood and Thor would be a fun duo in the front court.

Just like Mobley, Thor can guard anybody on the court at any angle. He has great defensive awareness while playing team basketball. Thor had a 101.6 defensive rating in college and averaged 1.4 blocks per game. He makes it harder for other players to get around him because of his defensive versatility, quick feet, and 7’1” wingspan. He could take a lot of pressure off Wood defensively on the court.

Hopefully, Thor falls to the 23rd pick for the Rockets, especially if they pass up on Mobley from USC.

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