June 19, 2026, 7:10 p.m. CT

The Houston Rockets hold the No. 39 and No. 53 picks in the 2026 NBA Draft.Recent No. 39 picks have seen varied success, from All-Rookie honors to never playing in the NBA.Jaylen Wells (2024) and Neemias Queta (2021) are recent success stories from the No. 39 draft position.Notable players like Khris Middleton and Jerami Grant were also selected with the 39th pick.

After trading their 2026 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Russell Westbrook in 2019, the Houston Rockets are left with just two second-round picks in the 2026 NBA Draft (Nos. 39 and 53). With this in mind, what type of talent can Houston expect to find beyond the first round? Here is a list of the last five No. 39 overall picks.

Jan 14, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Toronto Raptors guard Alijah Martin (55) in the second half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images2025 – SG Alijah Martin TOR

Considering Toronto’s crowded rotation, former Florida Gator Alijah Martin was given limited opportunites, averaging 2.2 points and 0.9 rebounds in 6.3 minutes per game during his rookie season.

Feb 6, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaylen Wells (0) stands during the first half against Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara (33) at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images2024 – SG Jaylen Wells MEM

Since the 2024 NBA Draft, Jaylen Wells has blossomed into a consistent all-around player, being named to the 2024-25 All-Rookie team and finishing third in Rookie of the Year Award voting. Last season with Memphis, Wells averaged 12.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.9 steals.

Need a news break? Check out the all new PLAY hub with puzzles, games and more!Mar 21, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Mouhamed Gueye (18) reacts after a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images2023 – PF Mouhamed Gueye CHO

Mouhamed Gueye never suited up for the Hornets, but after draft-night trades from Charlotte and Boston, he has played parts of his first three seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. In 116 career games he’s averaged 4.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks.

Jun 24, 2022; Independence, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman, left, and Cleveland Cavaliers head coach J.B. Bickerstaff, right, pose with second round draft pick Khalifa Diop during a press conference introducing the first two draft picks of the Cavaliers at Cleveland Clinic Courts. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports2022 – C Khalifa Diop CLE

Diop was a “draft and stash” prospect who never transitioned from overseas to the NBA. He currently plays for Saska Baskonia in the Liga ACB.

Mar 10, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta (88) looks to pass the ball in the second half against the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images2021 – C Neemias Queta SAC

Although Neemias Queta didn’t develop with the team that drafted him, only making 20 appearances for the Kings in his first two seasons, the Portugese center has found a home in Boston. Last season, he averaged career-high numbers: 10.2 points, 8.4 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.3 blocks and 0.8 steals.

Other notable No. 39 overall picks include Khris Middleton (2012) and Jerami Grant (2014).

While the margin for error with the No. 39 overall selection can be high, Houston should be optimistic heading into a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class, as Queta and Wells are great success stories from the same draft position. Additionally, both players found success in different ways, with Wells contributing right away and Queta taking some time to develop. If the Rockets are able to select a player who mirrors the production of either, they will have done very well.