# Rockets TRADE UP To Select Ohio State's Bruce Thornton | RISKY Gamble OR Draft Night STEAL?

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535/rockets-trade-up-to-select-ohio-state-s-bruce-thornton-risky-gamble-or-draft-night-steal
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535/rockets-trade-up-to-select-ohio-state-s-bruce-thornton-risky-gamble-or-draft-night-steal.md
Podcast: [Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets](https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535)
Published: 2026-06-25T13:06:12+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rockets/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/2be01f/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/0484f71b-0bf5-4ae7-bab2-a023f0bde1b8/episodes/9cdab0f4-550a-4012-bec6-d1b6680907da/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=0484f71b-0bf5-4ae7-bab2-a023f0bde1b8&awEpisodeId=9cdab0f4-550a-4012-bec6-d1b6680907da&feed=VdVZRUNt
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/main-feed-579535/episodes/rockets-trade-up-to-select-ohio-state-s-bruce-thornton-risky-gamble-or-draft-night-steal
Duration seconds: 1621

## Resource

Houston Rockets shake up NBA Draft night, trading up to snag Ohio State’s bulldog guard Bruce Thornton with the 31st pick. Can this hyper-efficient, do-it-all playmaker become the steal of the draft and elevate Houston’s backcourt? Bruce Thornton’s elite finishing, commanding presence, and analytics-driven resume spark instant comparisons to Jalen Brunson, but questions loom about his size and defensive upside. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) recaps the aggressive trade with the New York Knicks, unpacks fan reactions, and spotlights the team’s savvy addition of Quadir Copeland on a two-way deal. The discussion explores Houston’s strategy to inject young, NBA-ready talent alongside veterans as Summer League approaches. Will Rafael Stone’s front office moves and Ime Udoka’s system speed up the Rockets’ climb out of rebuilding mode? Get the latest insights on Houston’s draft philosophy, roster construction, and what to watch for as the Rockets reload for next season.

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