The Houston Rockets' most important offseason addition has been a topic of debate following their 116-89 preseason victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 15. With a 2-1 preseason record that also includes wins and losses against Dallas, the team's summer changes are under the microscope. Analysts from the team's coverage have weighed in on whether the signing of Marcus Smart or the hiring of shooting coach Chip Engelland represents the best move.
Two primary candidates have emerged from the team's quiet but effective summer. The Rockets signed defensive guard Marcus Smart and veteran wing Bogdan Bogdanovic, while also using their 2026 NBA Draft pick on Bruce Thornton. On the other side, Dorian Finney-Smith and Josh Okogie departed. The preseason has already offered a glimpse, with Smart outscoring Kyrie Irving in a matchup in Macao.
Amir Motameni argues the hiring of Chip Engelland is the underrated big change. "I don’t think this move is getting enough attention from the fanbase," Motameni said. He is a big believer in Amen Thompson making a leap this season and sees a consistent jump shot as the key to stardom. Engelland, one of the NBA's best shooting coaches, could also help unlock another offensive level for Jabari Smith Jr.
Ethan J. Skolnick points to the addition of Marcus Smart as the critical piece. He believes Houston was missing a fiery element that Smart provides. The guard offers steady ball-handling, occasional three-point shooting, and capable defense. His presence also reshapes the backcourt rotation, creating an ideal scenario for Reed Sheppard.
Skolnick notes that Sheppard, who didn't look ready for a main ballhandling role last year, can now settle into a reserve shooter role. This could allow Sheppard and Smart to form an elite bench duo, taking pressure off Fred VanVleet and the starters. The Rockets are banking on VanVleet's return to health and recently extended Amen Thompson to keep the young core together.
The immediate focus is the final preseason tune-up, a rematch against the Dallas Mavericks at home on October 21. The Rockets' preseason results against Dallas have been split, with a 135-117 win on October 9 and a 132-115 loss on October 11. These games have tested the new lineup combinations head coach Ime Udoka is evaluating.
Following that, the 2026-2027 NBA regular season begins. The Rockets' core of Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson will be supported by the new additions. The team's ambition is clear: to compete for a championship. Developments in the coming weeks, including potential injury updates available on our injuries page, will shape their early-season path. The work of Engelland with Thompson and Smith, plus the grit Smart brings, will be watched closely as the games start to count.
