Houston Chronicle

The Rockets were so pleased to come away from the draft lottery with the third pick of the draft, they made a trade Wednesday to get themselves a third pick in the first round. Good things come in threes? They hope so. The deal to trade Christian Wood for the Mavericks’ first-round pick, the 26th selection, was in large measures to move on from the starting center who does not fit with their future and open playing time for their young big men, including the addition they expect to make Thursday. They might not be done dealing. After taking four players in last season’s first round, the Rockets could be hesitant to choose three more this season. Moving up will not be easy with most of the teams with picks a few spots before the Rockets are back on the clock at 17 not likely to want a late first-round pick in a move-back trade.