[1] The team selected Jabari Smith Jr. at third overall, looking to improve on last season's record of 20–62.
With their 96–118 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on March 7, 2023, the Houston Rockets were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the third consecutive season.
The Rockets entered the draft holding two first round picks.
[2] The 17th overall pick came from the Brooklyn Nets in the James Harden trade.
On draft night, Houston traded Wendell Moore's draft rights at 26th to the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for the draft rights to TyTy Washington at 29th, in addition to two future second-round picks—2025 and 2027.