2023 NBA Mock Draft: Mavericks land defensive stopper, Warriors add another shooter

20. Houston Rockets land Noah Clowney

After taking Amen Thompson with the fourth overall pick, the Houston Rockets strengthen their frontcourt later in the second round and add Noah Clowney.

Clowney averaged 9.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game as a freshman at Alabama and shot 29.3 percent from three on 3.3 attempts per game. He has the confidence to let it fly, and he could develop into a consistent shooter out of the pick and pop as he is a good screen setter.

His free-throw percentage is 64.9 percent, which could be a red flag, but his shooting mechanics aren't bad.

Clowney could be an outside threat for them, but Houston is mainly taking him for his defense. They have to get back to caring on that end, and Clowney and Thompson could help them get back to being a competitive defensive team. Clowney is mature, and young maturity is not something that Houston has had recently.

He can switch on defense, and he has a massive wingspan. He is a mobile big and his on and off-court fit makes sense in Houston.

Clowney is also a great rebounder and would help Houston become an even better rebounding team. He hustles for every board and boxes out.