Houston Rockets 2026-2027 guide

One of the biggest question marks heading into next season will be the Houston Rockets. At the start of last year, the Texas team was viewed by many as the Oklahoma City Thunder’s main rival, but as the games went by, problems both on and off the court revealed more concerns than positives.

The front office, however, decided to give the group another chance, making only limited moves on the market and keeping Ime Udoka, whose position had long been under scrutiny.

So the question is simple: will trust and another year of working together be enough to put Houston back on the right track?

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Key players

In a situation filled with question marks, the Rockets’ biggest certainty remains Kevin Durant (F, 16.0 cr.). Despite being 38 years old, KD continues to provide elite offensive production and, especially in crucial moments, he will once again be one of the team’s primary options.

From a Dunkest perspective, however, Alperen Sengun (C, 17.5 cr.) is probably Houston’s most intriguing name. His relationship with Udoka has not always been straightforward, especially because of some defensive shortcomings, but offensively the Turkish big man remains the true engine of the team. Points, rebounds and, above all, his ability to create for teammates make him a player capable of filling the box score and even flirting with a few triple-doubles.

Potential surprises

Given his price and skill set, Steven Adams (C, 6.0 cr.) could become a very interesting option. Offensive rebounding, physicality and interior presence are his main strengths, and they are qualities Udoka particularly values. The main question is his physical condition after a serious ankle injury and a season in which he played just 32 games.

Oscar Tshiebwe (C, 7.0 cr.) is another player to watch. After showing encouraging signs with Utah, he could carve out a role in the big-man rotation thanks mainly to his rebounding ability, athleticism and physicality. Any early-season management of Adams could also open up meaningful minutes for him.

Player to avoid

The large number of big men available and Udoka’s tendency to rely on fairly short rotations could hurt Clint Capela (C, 7.0 cr.).

The risk is that he could be the one to gradually lose playing time. In addition, since he has built much of his effectiveness on athleticism and physicality, at 32 years old it will be important to understand how much he can still consistently provide.

Projected starting five

PG: Fred Vanvleet (Guard, 10.0 cr.)

SG: Amen Thompson (Guard, 15.0 cr.)

SF: Kevin Durant (Forward, 16.0 cr.)

PF: Jabari Smith Jr (Forward, 10.0 cr.)

C: Alperen Sengun (Center, 17.5 cr.)

Power Ranking

Looking strictly at the talent in the rotation, the Houston Rockets have everything they need to enter the race for the very top spots in the Western Conference and challenge Minnesota for the role of main alternative to the Thunder and Spurs.

The real question mark is everything else. If the offensive problems and, above all, the issues tied to team chemistry return, Houston could once again find itself far below expectations. If Udoka can instead find the right balance, there is no shortage of potential for a major step forward.

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