The Houston Rockets open their 2026 training camp at the end of September, with the health of key veterans and the development of young talent taking center stage. The team looks to build on a strong 52-30 record from last season, despite a recent 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, and a 2W-3L form in their last five outings.
Which veterans are returning from injury?
Steven Adams and Fred VanVleet are the two most important players to monitor. Adams suffered a severe grade-three ankle sprain in January 2026, requiring surgery and ending his season. Before the injury, he played 32 games, averaging 5.8 points and 8.6 rebounds in just 22.8 minutes per game.
His impact was massive, especially on the offensive glass. Adams grabbed 4.5 offensive rebounds per game, consistently posting historic offensive rebounding rates near 25%. His return to full health is a major priority for the Rockets' frontcourt.
Fred VanVleet missed the entire 2025-26 NBA season after tearing his ACL. He is slated to reclaim his role as the team's starting point guard. Both players were sorely missed, but Houston's depth helped them secure 52 wins. Training camp is their first real step back into game readiness.
Who are the young players to watch?
For players on two-way contracts, this camp is everything. Sean Pedulla, Quadir Copeland, and Rafael Castro all have NBA potential. A standout performance here can fast-track their path to the main roster and meaningful minutes.
It's also a huge platform for rookie Bruce Thornton. The 31st overall pick had some bright moments during the NBA Summer League. But he has a long way to go to crack head coach Ime Udoka's regular rotation. He needs to prove his overall talent and dedication from day one.
Why is this camp so important for the Rockets?
After finishing 52-30, expectations are high. Integrating Adams and VanVleet back into the lineup smoothly is the top objective. Their conditioning and on-court chemistry with the core will be tested immediately at the Memorial Hermann Houston Rockets Training Center.
The team's recent form shows some inconsistency, with a LWWLL pattern in their last five games. Solidifying the rotation and building momentum from camp is key to a strong start to the 2026-27 regular season. You can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page.
What should fans expect?
Focus will be on player conditioning and roster evaluation. The state-of-the-art facility will be buzzing with competition for the final spots. All eyes will be on Adams' mobility and VanVleet's explosiveness following their long rehabs.
For the young guys, it's a chance to make an unforgettable first impression. The battle for minutes behind the established stars is wide open. How Thornton and the two-way players perform could shape the Rockets' depth chart for the entire year.
