The Houston Rockets could add yet another elite young prospect to their core in 2027, with Arizona guard Caleb Holt projected to land with them with the No. 3 overall pick.
In Bleacher Report’s Jonathan Wasserman’s early 2027 mock draft, the Brooklyn Nets are projected to land the third overall selection, which could ultimately benefit the Houston Rockets because of the draft pick arrangement between the two franchises.
The Rockets own the right to swap their 2027 first-round pick with the Nets’ 2027 first-rounder. Under Wasserman’s projection, that would put Houston in position to select Holt, who is one of the best young prospects entering the 2026-27 college basketball season.
At 6-foot-5 and 215 pounds, Holt doesn’t necessarily fit into one positional category. He has perimeter skills and shooting, but also has the strength, rebounding, and defensive versatility to play as a bigger wing.
Holt’s versatility should make him one of the most watched freshmen in college basketball. His offensive game is still under development, especially as a primary creator. But his ability to impact the game without the ball makes him very intriguing.
Holt can cut to the basket, crash the offensive glass, and defend multiple positions while continuing to improve his perimeter shot.
Holt’s production before arriving at Arizona also explains the excitement. During his prep career, Holt averaged 21.0 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game. On the Adidas 3SSB circuit, he put up 19.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.0 assists while shooting 51% from the field.
He also delivered an impressive performance in the 2026 Nike Hoop Summit, recording 24 points, 8 rebounds, and 7 steals for Team USA.
And for Houston, landing another top-three prospect would almost feel unfair considering how much young talent the franchise has already accumulated.
The Rockets’ future draft position will largely depend on the Brooklyn Nets. Houston has the right to swap its own 2027 first-round selection for the Nets’ pick, meaning a disastrous Brooklyn season could potentially deliver the Rockets yet another premier lottery selection.
And of course, projecting the No. 3 pick before the 2026-27 season has even begun involves plenty of speculation. Brooklyn’s record, the draft lottery, and Holt’s freshman season could completely change that picture.
Holt still has a lot left to prove at Arizona as well. His shooting and half-court creation will likely determine where he’ll end up in the draft or whether he’ll drop out of the top-three conversation.
But his potential fit is definitely fascinating. The Rockets could add a physical, defensive-minded 6-foot-5 guard who’s capable of making an impact without demanding the basketball.
If Holt develops his shooting and creation at Arizona, the Rockets could take advantage of Brooklyn’s misfortune to add yet another major piece to their already loaded young core.
