With preseaon less than a month away, its time to take a look at the Houston Rocket’s roster for training camp. For the purpose of this article I will be utilizing the Sports Illistruated Rockets roster and depth list. The Houston Rockets enter the 2026-27 season with a roster that combines a veteran championship core with several young players still developing. With Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Fred VanVleet, Jabari Smith Jr., Amen Thompson and Tari Eason returning, Houston has plenty of talent and versatility. For ease of reading I will splitting the roster into three groups: starters, rotation players, and end of the bench/G League players.
Starters
Kevin Durant — Forward
Durant remains the biggest name on the roster and the team’s primary offensive weapon. At 37, he brings elite scoring, shooting, and playoff experience. Houston will rely on him to be the closer and a veteran leader of the team.
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Alperen Şengün — Center
Şengün is entering his fifth NBA season and remains one of Houston’s most important pieces. His passing and offensive creativity from the center position make him a major part of the Rockets’ half-court offense.
Amen Thompson — Guard/Forward
Thompson is arguably the most important young player on the roster. He averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals last season, and Houston recently committed to him with a five-year, $208 million extension.
Jabari Smith Jr. — Forward/Center
Smith gives Houston size and shooting in the frontcourt. His ability to play alongside both Durant and Şengün makes him particularly valuable.
Fred VanVleet – Point Guard
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VanVleet is expected to provide veteran leadership and stability at point guard. His return gives Houston another experienced ball-handler after injuries affected his 2025-26 season.
Rotational Players
Marcus Smart – Point Guard
Smart is one of the most intriguing additions. He reunites with head coach Ime Udoka and gives Houston another physical perimeter defender and experienced playoff player.
Bogdan Bogdanović – Swingman
Newly acquired free agent Bogdan Bogdanović gives the Rockets another veteran shooter and offensive playmaker. He could become especially important when Houston needs spacing around Durant and Şengün.
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Reed Sheppard – Combo Guard
Sheppard enters his third NBA season and will be one of the biggest development stories in camp. His shooting and playmaking could give Houston another option in the backcourt. Sheppard’s production and role will be one of the leading stories this season as he is extension-eligible next summer.
Steven Adams – Center
Adams is one half of the double-big lineup, and after exiting the season early he is likely to make an impact.
Reserves and G League Players
Bruce Thornton – Guard
Thornton is an Ohio State freshman guard and summer league standout, will have a chance to contend for playing time and even establish himself as a long-term rotation member.
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Julian Phillips – Swingman
Another young wing vying for a part is Julian Phillips. At six feet six, he adds size and agility to Houston’s perimeter.
Quadir Copeland, Isaiah Crawford, Oscar Thswibwe, Rafael Castro, and Sean Pedulla all contribute depth throughout camp, but they will probably have to compete for regular NBA playing time.
Clint Capela adds some extra center depth, but is unlikely to see much playing time.
The Rockets’ greatest strength is versatility. Houston can go big with Şengün, Smith and Durant, or tiny and athletic with Thompson and Eason. The roster also has a lot more veteran experience than the young Rockets teams of a few seasons ago. The biggest issue heading into camp isn’t whether the Rockets have enough skill. It’s how does Udoka fit all that talent together. If Durant remains an exceptional scorer, Şengün keeps growing, and Thompson makes another leap, Houston’s got the personnel to contend near the top of the Western Conference. With all that said, who are you excited to see playing time this upcoming season? Let us know, and make sure to check back at The Dream Shake for more Houston Rockets basketball news.
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