The
The optimism surrounding the franchise is bolstered by the return of key personnel who were sidelined during the previous campaign. Point guard
Strategic Adjustments and Roster Depth
General manager Rafael Stone expressed confidence in the group's potential, noting that the stability of the current roster allows for higher expectations. A major focus for the coaching staff this year is addressing late-game execution. Last season, the Rockets struggled to close out opponents, with more than half of their 30 losses occurring in games where they had held double-digit leads. Improving these late-game scenarios is viewed as a critical step toward contending for the franchise's first title since the 1994-95 back-to-back championship era.
The team has also bolstered its defensive identity with the acquisition of Marcus Smart, the 2021-22 Defensive Player of the Year. The organization hopes his presence will mentor and elevate defensive standout Amen Thompson as he enters his fourth season. These additions are designed to complement a core that includes veteran
Managing Minutes and Expectations
A point of discussion heading into the season is the management of player minutes, particularly for Durant and Thompson, who led the team in playing time last year. While Udoka has indicated a desire to reduce their workload to ensure long-term health, the 16-time All-Star Durant remains committed to being on the floor whenever the game requires it. As he approaches his 38th birthday, Durant maintains that his training is specifically designed to handle heavy minutes, though he remains open to resting in the fourth quarter if the team holds a comfortable lead.
The Rockets are scheduled to begin their preseason preparations with two games against the Dallas Mavericks in Macao, China, on October 9 and 11. With the injury concerns that plagued the previous year largely behind them, the front office believes there is significant room for growth as the team looks to translate their regular-season competitiveness into a sustained playoff presence.
