The Houston Rockets general manager, Rafael Stone, made major roster changes when he acquired the 15-time all-star forward, Kevin Durant.
The trade sent away forward Dillon Brooks and guard Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns.
Additionally, the 2025 draft class helped fill some holes in for the offense after the departure of Green. In the second round, the Rockets drafted guard Jahmai Mashack.
The starting lineup is the tallest it has been in years — the shortest player is 6-foot-7 guard Amen Thompson. However, the remaining Rockets’ starters are 6-foot-11 forward Kevin Durant, forward Jabari Smith Jr., center/forward Alperen Sengun and center Steven Adams.
With the loss of guard Fred VanVleet, the Rockets expect 2024 No. 3 overall draft pick Reed Sheppard to step up in that sixth-man rotation role as guard.
In the preseason, the Rockets dominated with an undefeated record coming into the regular season, but their first challenge came against the 2025 reigning champions.
The Oklahoma City Thunder hosted the Rockets’ opening game, ultimately defeating them in double overtime, 124-125.
Moreover, the Thunder’s defense is top–notch, led by 7-foot-1center Chet Holmgren and last season’s most valuable player guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
The 2024 postseason first-round exit against the Golden State Warriors was devastating to many Rockets fans, but the moves made in the offseason seem to paint a brighter picture for the Toyota Center.
