The Houston Rockets are finalizing their roster for the 2026-27 NBA training camp, blending a veteran championship core with developing young talent. This comes after a playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, where the Rockets' last result was a 78-98 loss on May 2, 2026. Their recent form over the last five games shows two wins and three losses, a sequence of LWWLL. The team's focus now shifts to preseason preparation, aiming to build on the experience gained from those intense postseason contests.
Kevin Durant headlines the group as the primary offensive weapon. At 37, the forward brings elite scoring, shooting, and extensive playoff experience to Houston. The team will lean on him to be a closer and a veteran leader throughout the campaign.
Alperen Şengün enters his fifth NBA season as a central piece of the offense. His unique passing and creativity from the center position are major assets in the Rockets' half-court sets. Jabari Smith Jr. Provides essential size and shooting in the frontcourt, a skill set that allows him to play effectively alongside both Durant and Şengün.
Amen Thompson is arguably the most important young player on the roster. The guard/forward averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals last season, earning a significant five-year, $208 million extension. Fred VanVleet returns to provide veteran leadership and stability at point guard, offering experienced ball-handling after an injury-affected 2025-26 season.
Marcus Smart is a notable new addition, reuniting with head coach Ime Udoka. He gives Houston another physical perimeter defender and a player with deep playoff experience. Tari Eason remains a key part of the second unit, offering defensive versatility, athleticism, and rebounding across multiple positions.
Newly acquired free agent Bogdan Bogdanović adds another veteran shooter and offensive playmaker to the mix. His ability to space the floor will be important when playing alongside Durant and Şengün. Reed Sheppard enters his third season as a major development story. His shooting and playmaking could carve out a larger backcourt role, especially as he becomes extension-eligible next summer.
Steven Adams is the other half of a potential double-big lineup. After exiting last season early, his physical presence is expected to make a significant impact.
Several young players will use camp to compete for minutes and a potential long-term spot. Bruce Thornton, an Ohio State freshman guard and summer league standout, has a chance to establish himself. Julian Phillips, a six-foot-six swingman, brings size and agility to the wing positions as he vies for a role.
Other names in the reserves and G League group include Quadir Copeland, Isaiah Crawford, and Oscar Thswibwe. Each will look to impress the coaching staff and earn consideration for call-ups during the season. Their development is a key part of building sustainable depth.
The Rockets' preparation is framed by their recent playoff exit. Their postseason run ended with a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026. That capped a series where results swung back and forth, including a 99-93 road win on April 30 and a 115-96 home victory on April 27. Earlier games in the series saw close losses of 108-112 and 101-94.
That 2W-3L form in their final five games provides both lessons and motivation. Integrating new pieces like Smart and Bogdanović with the established core is the immediate task for Ime Udoka and his staff. The full schedule for their comeback attempt is available on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The blend of Durant's scoring, Thompson's ascension, and a deeper, tougher rotation defines this Rockets squad as they aim for a stronger finish next spring.
