Although the Rockets didn't have any big trades in the past draft, their choices were more reasonable, selecting Shepard, in exchange for AJ Griffin, and signing the undrafted forward Dangte with a two-way contract, this series of operations perfectly strengthened the team's interior defense and outside projection. Stone's wave of operations really deserves a high score.
Shepard was selected because of his 52.3% three-point shooting rate, as well as good playmaking ability, which can complement the three-point shooting ability of the perimeter. And with the No. 44 draft pick and $4.5 million in exchange for AJ Griffin from the Hawks, it was to strengthen the wing's three-point shooting ability. AJ Griffin is the 16th overall pick in 2022, one place higher than Eason of the Rockets. So far, he has played 92 games, averaging 7.5 points per game and shooting 37.2% from three-point range.
In addition, they also signed a "two-way contract" with the undrafted big man Nfarli Dant, who is 2.11m tall and has an astonishing 2.29m reach. This season, he averaged 19.5 points, grabbed 10.5 rebounds, and also had 1.8 assists, 2 steals and 2.1 blocks per game, and was quite capable on both offensive and defensive ends. Once he joins the Rockets, the Rockets' interior defense will not be a problem.
With two draft picks and a two-way contract, it can complete the reinforcement of last season's roster, this wave of operations is indeed more economical, as for the effect, we have to wait until the game starts, at least for now, Stone's operation is worthy of praise.