We continue our look at some of the NBA draft prospects that the Rockets should target today with a look at St. John's small forward Moe Harkless. The center position is obviously the Rockets biggest need, but I believe 2nd to that is the need for at least depth at the SG/SF positions, and probably a starter. Chandler Parsons is a good defender but doesn't provide much on the offensive end at small forward. At shooting guard, Kevin Martin is obviously not long for the team and I'm not sure if Courtney Lee is a full-time starter. Overall the team lacks athleticism and size; Harkless gives them both.
With Harkless, who scouts compare to James Posey, they get an athletic forward who can attack the rim, has a decent jump shot, defends his position well, has good size for his position, and even gives them some flexibility by being able to play some at the 4 spot. During his only season at St. John's, Harkless averaged 15.5 points, 8.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks. He's not a great jump shooter, but he can score in other ways and really fills up the stat sheet. Think a poor man's Josh Smith or Gerald Wallace.
NBAdraft.net has Harkless going 18th overall, Draft Express at 22nd overall, and HoopsHype at 21st overall. He'd be a bit of a reach at 14, but I'd like to see them target him at 16 or later on if they trade back.