Rockets Draft Thornton
Houston Rockets Acquire Ohio State's All-Time Scorer Bruce Thornton in Draft Night Trade
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Key Points
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Houston traded Nos. 39 and 53 and a 2029 Sacramento Kings second-round pick to the Knicks in exchange for the Rockets' No. 31 pick (used on Bruce Thornton) and No. 55, effectively up sequencing for Thornton to join Houston on Day 1.
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Thornton finished as Ohio State's all-time leading scorer with 2,164 points, surpassing Dennis Hopson's previous mark of 2,096 points that had stood for nearly 40 years.
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He became the first four-time captain in Ohio State men's basketball history.
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Thornton was Ohio State's male recipient of the Big Ten Medal of Honor, an award recognizing proficiency in athletics and academics.
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Ahead of the draft, Thornton reportedly worked out for 18 NBA teams, underscoring the extensive pre-draft evaluation surrounding him.
The Houston Rockets traded up to No. 31 in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Bruce Thornton, the Ohio State guard who finished as the Buckeyes' all-time leading scorer with 2,164 points. Rockets Wire reported that Houston sent picks No. 39, No. 53, and a 2029 Sacramento Kings second-round pick to the New York Knicks to land Thornton and also received No. 55 in the deal.
Rockets GM Rafael Stone made his intentions clear after the trade. "Bruce is a winner, plain and simple," Stone said. "We weren't comfortable waiting at 39. We wanted his toughness and his playmaking in our building from Day 1."
Thornton Breaks a 39-Year Ohio State Scoring Record
Thornton spent four full seasons in Columbus rather than leaving early for the NBA or the transfer portal. That loyalty paid off. On February 14, 2026, he surpassed Dennis Hopson's previous OSU record of 2,096 points, a mark that had stood since 1987. Thornton finished with 2,164 career points, according to Ohio State Buckeyes.
He also became the first four-time captain in Ohio State men's basketball history. His senior season numbers were strong: 19.9 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. Cleveland.com noted he led the Buckeyes to the Sweet 16. Ohio State coach Jake Diebler said the Rockets "drafted the heartbeat of our program for the last four years."
Houston Gave Up Three Picks to Move Up Twelve Spots
The Knicks held No. 31 at the start of the second round. By 8:40 PM on draft night, the deal was done. Houston moved up 12 spots from No. 39 to No. 31. In return, New York got two current picks — No. 39 and No. 53 — plus a future second-round pick from Sacramento in 2029. Rockets Wire confirmed Houston also received No. 55.
Thornton had worked out for 18 NBA teams before the draft. Houston's staff met with him twice in private sessions. That level of scouting made the Rockets confident enough to give up three assets for one player. Stone called Thornton "a veteran in a 22-year-old's body."
Small Guard, Big Questions — and Big Supporters
Thornton stands 6-foot tall, which draws scrutiny in the modern NBA. Critics have pointed to his height as a potential defensive liability. Some analysts at The Ringer questioned the trade's value, arguing Houston could have found similar upside at No. 39 without giving up the 2029 Sacramento pick. His wingspan measures 6'4", and he weighs 210 pounds, giving him a strong frame for his height.
Supporters point to guards like Fred VanVleet and Kyle Lowry as proof that undersized players can thrive. Thornton posted a 2.8-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio at Ohio State. Buckeye Sports Bulletin noted that his zero missed games across 134 career starts shows rare durability. He also won the Big Ten Medal of Honor, which recognizes both athletic and academic achievement.
Thornton Set to Compete for Rockets Rotation Spot Immediately
Stone confirmed after the draft that Thornton would join Houston's summer league roster right away. As the 31st pick, Thornton can sign a multi-year deal outside of Houston's mid-level exception, giving the Rockets salary cap room for the 2026-27 season. He is expected to compete for backup point guard minutes behind the current starter.
Ohio State Buckeyes noted that Thornton becomes the 57th Buckeye ever drafted into the NBA. His path — four years on campus, a scoring record, and a trade-up on draft night — offers a "stay-and-play" model for future Ohio State recruits. For Houston, the bet is that Thornton's maturity and high floor make the price of three picks worth paying.
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