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The Houston Rockets have to be glad that the new NBA Draft lottery rules didn't exist a few years ago.
If they had, they may have never gotten to pick Amen Thompson, one of their most important players right now.
The new rules will prevent teams from picking in the top-five for three consecutive seasons.
The Rockets snagged Jalen Green at No. 2 overall in 2021, then Jabari Smith at No. 3 in 2022.
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That would've stopped them from having the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, which is the spot they chose Thompson.
If picks went exactly the same with someone else there, both Thompson twins would've been off the board as the Rockets looked for someone to pick at No. 6.
Picks 6 through 10 of that draft haven't aged great so far: Anthony Black, Bilal Coulibaly, Jarace Walker, Taylor Hendricks and Cason Wallace.
Black, Coulibaly and Wallace have all had their moments of usefulness, but none seem likely to be the star that Thompson is.
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In retrospect, it's crucial that the Rockets got the pick they did.
Beyond Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller in the top-two spots, that draft is quite devoid of current star power.
Amen Thompson, though, has proven he can be incredibly impactful on winning. The Rockets sure are glad they have him.
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