The Houston Rockets are evaluating the potential roles of young forwards Julian Phillips and Isaiah Crawford for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Both players are archetypal defense-first wings that head coach Ime Udoka values, but they face an uphill climb for consistent playing time in a competitive rotation. The team's recent playoff run, which ended with a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, highlighted the need for reliable depth.
Julian Phillips is a 6'6"small forward who joined the Rockets as a free agent this past summer." forward, but he's a bit older at 24. He played for the Rockets last season after starting his career with the Sacramento Kings. Crawford went undrafted in 2024 despite winning Conference USA Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year at Louisiana Tech. Like Phillips, he's viewed as a defensive specialist for Udoka.
He showed his potential in the G League with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers last year. Crawford put up 18.3 points, 7.2 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2.2 steals per game. He shot 53.4 percent from the field and 37.3 percent from deep. Those numbers suggest he can contribute on both ends if called upon.
The Rockets have a deep roster, and both players are near the back of the wing rotation. Phillips' offensive limitations are clear, and at 24, Crawford's ceiling for development might be lower than some younger prospects. Barring injuries to players ahead of them, it's hard to see either getting major minutes.
Udoka has a specific type of player he trusts. He wants defenders who can switch assignments and handle tough matchups. Phillips and Crawford fit that description in theory. Turning that into regular rotation minutes is a different story. They'll need to impress in practice and make the most of any limited opportunities during games.
The Rockets' playoff series against the Lakers provides context for where the team stands. Their recent form over the last five games was two wins and three losses (LWWLL). They secured a big 99-93 road win over the Lakers on April 30, 2026, and a dominant 115-96 home victory on April 27.
But they also suffered close losses, including a 108-112 defeat on April 25 and a 101-94 loss on April 22. The series ended with that 78-98 loss on May 2. This postseason experience shows the Rockets are a competitive team that needs its role players ready. In a long season, depth players like Phillips and Crawford must stay prepared for when their number is called.
Neither forward is expected to be a star. They are potential role players who can provide specific skills. Phillips is the pure defender, while Crawford has shown a more well-rounded G League game. For the Houston Rockets, having these kinds of players in the pipeline is about building a resilient roster. If an emergency arises, Udoka knows he has options on the bench who understand his defensive demands.
