Josh Christopher’s Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Rockets Roster

Ralph Freso/Associated Press

The Houston Rockets selected Arizona State guard Josh Christopher with the No. 24 overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft Thursday at Barclays Center in New York City.

Christopher averaged 14.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.5 steals and 1.4 assists across 15 appearances for the Sun Devils during his only college season.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman’s Scouting Report

Player: Josh Christopher

Position: SG

Height: 6’4″

Pro Comparison: Jordan Clarkson

Scouting Report: Christopher has the look of an NBA scorer with quickness, strength, skills to create and tough shot-making ability. Improving his shooting consistency and decision-making will be key to his success and efficiency.

Rockets Active Roster and Average Salary (Expiration Year)

John Wall, PG: $42.8M (2023)

Eric Gordon, SG: $18.9M (2024)

Christian Wood, PF: $13.7M (2023)

Jalen Green, SG: $7.5M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

D.J. Augustin, PG: $7M (2023)

Avery Bradley, PG: $5.9M (Team option)

Danuel House, SF: $3.7M (2022)

Alperen Sengun, C: $2.7M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Usman Garuba, PF/C: $2M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Josh Christopher, SG: $1.9M (projected first-year salary, per RealGM)

Kevin Porter Jr., SG: $1.6M (2023)

Jae’Sean Tate, SF: $1.5M (2023)

Kenyon Martin Jr., SF: $1.4M (2024)

Khyri Thomas, SG: $1.3M (2024)

Free Agents

Kelly Olynyk, PF: UFA

Dante Exum, PG: UFA

DJ Wilson, PF: RFA

Sterling Brown, SG: UFA

David Nwaba, SG: UFA

Cam Reynolds, F: RFA

Cameron Oliver, PF: RFA

Anthony Lamb, SF: RFA

Armoni Brooks, SG: RFA

Christopher, a former consensus 5-star prospect coming out of Mayfair High School in California, showcased a developing offensive arsenal at Arizona State and may have an opportunity to make an instant impact for the Rockets as a rookie.

At minimum, he can provide a spark off the bench as he works to improve his outside shooting efficiency after making just 30.5 percent of his three-point shots as a freshman at ASU.

Christopher is the Rockets’ fourth first-round selection. Houston also added Jalen Green of the NBA G League Ignite at No. 2 overall, Besiktas center Alperen Sengun at No. 16 and Real Madrid big man Usman Garuba at No. 23 on Thursday.