The Houston Rockets were unlucky in the NBA Draft Lottery, as they were jumped by the Orlando Magic and the Oklahoma City Thunder. That dropped the Rockets from a pre-lottery spot of first overall to third overall.

For Houston general manager Rafael Stone, he feels the team is still in position to get a really good player. However, he added the Rockets will listen to trade offers for the third pick.

"If it's the case that (other teams) are interested in doing something, we're always available to listen," Stone said. "If there’s something that makes sense for both teams it’ll get done.”

Stone acknowledged that there is a sense of relief after the lottery, because now teams know where they'll be picking. Stone feels good about his potential options with the third pick.

“We’re really excited," Stone said. "I definitely think by picking third or trading, we’re going to be a materially more talented team than we were last year.”

The Orlando Magic have won the 2022 NBA Draft Lottery for the fourth time in franchise history. 

Some combination of Jabari Smith, Chet Holmgren and Paolo Banchero are expected to be the top-3 selections in the draft. ESPN's Jonathan Givony projects Smith going No. 1 to the Magic, followed by Holmgren to the Thunder, Banchero to the Rockets, Shaedon Sharpe to the Kings, and Keegan Murray to the Pistons. 

1. Magic

2. Thunder

3. Rockets

4. Kings

5. Pistons

6. Pacers

7. Blazers

8. Pelicans (via LAL)

9. Spurs

10. Wizards

11. Knicks

12. Thunder (via LAC)

13. Hornets

14. Cavaliers