I don’t value the NBA draft as much as I value the NFL draft. Tanking makes sense in the NFL, because a top QB can make you into a super bowl champion within 3-4years ( Mahomes,Aikman,Ben).

In the NBA, not so much.

Dallas
Heatles
Spurs
Warriors
Cavs
Raptors
Lakers

Those are the champions over the past 8 years...all based on superstar veteran players.
Making moves through FA and the draft while still being competitive, or just going all out spending on FA seems to be the way to go. Or doing thrifty shit with G league players like Miami and Toronto.

You’re solely banking on potential with zero superstar players, so it could lead to a lot of years of losing.

Does Houston want to jump in that hole?

I can definitely see them wanting to get rid of Westbrook, with The hornets making the most sense because of the Jordan factor. But for Harden, someone big time has to come back.