The Houston Rockets are gearing up for a crucial offseason, with their sights set on the 2026 NBA Draft. Last result: Houston Rockets 78-98 Los Angeles Lakers (2026-05-02). Their recent form has been inconsistent, with a record of 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL, most recent first).
What are the Rockets' biggest needs?
The Rockets finished 27th overall in the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio last season, a number similar to the lowly Washington Wizards and Brooklyn Nets. They need to add playmaking and outside shooting to their roster.
Can Fred VanVleet's return make a difference?
Getting Fred VanVleet back from a torn ACL should make a big difference for the Houston Rockets' offense next season. The two second-round picks should be used to help add some playmaking and outside shooting as well.
What about a potential Kevin Durant trade?
On the other hand, the Rockets could trade Kevin Durant and get a sort of fresh start around Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengün, Jabari Smith Jr., and Reed Sheppard. They certainly wouldn't win as many games in the short term, but this season showed they're probably not ready to compete with the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs anyway.
How important is health to the Rockets' success?
In the absence of such a shakeup, Houston just has to hope its veterans, like Kevin Durant, Steven Adams, and Fred VanVleet, can get and stay on the court next season. It's certainly not a given with their ages and injury histories, but if they're available, Houston could at least be a more serious challenger than it was this season. | Date | Result | | --- | --- | | 2026-05-02 | Houston Rockets 78-98 Los Angeles Lakers |
Recent form: 2W-0D-3L (LWWLL, most recent first). The Rockets have a lot of work to do in the offseason to improve their roster and make a push for the playoffs in the 2026-2027 NBA season.