The Houston Rockets enter the upcoming NBA season banking on the fragile health of several veteran players, hoping that returning contributors and new additions can elevate a young roster past the first round of the postseason. With core figures facing demanding recoveries, the franchise’s trajectory remains tightly linked to the continued resilience and development of its rising stars.
Veteran Health Questions Shape the Offseason
Houston’s front office enters the campaign relying heavily on players who missed significant time during previous seasons. Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams both missed action due to major injuries, while newcomers Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic arrive with extensive histories of missed games. VanVleet tore his anterior cruciate ligament shortly before training camp and only returned to training in recent weeks. His ballhandling and perimeter shooting remain vital to the offense, provided his knee holds up.
Steven Adams underwent surgery in January for a severe ankle sprain and is reportedly working his way back to standard NBA conditioning. The 33-year-old center has missed 60 percent of his games over the last four seasons, leaving a massive void in offensive rebounding and physical screening when sidelined. Behind them, backcourt insurance comes via Marcus Smart, who played 20, 34, and 62 games respectively over his last three campaigns, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, who missed 59 games last season while dealing with injuries to his knee, quadriceps, and hamstring.
Kevin Durant’s Usage and Roster Depth
Kevin Durant played 78 games last season but was limited to just a single postseason appearance due to two separate injuries. As he approaches his 38th birthday, Durant reportedly resists team plans to restrict his playing time.
While Jabari Smith Jr. provides floor spacing, he is undersized at the center position, and veteran Clint Capela appeared exhausted and largely ineffective during the opening round of the playoffs. If Adams suffers another extended absence, the Rockets lack a natural like-for-like replacement on the roster unless they pursue a trade.
Youth Movement Provides Stability
Because the health of the veteran core carries inherent risk, the Rockets will lean heavily on the durability of their younger players. Reed Sheppard appeared in all 82 games last season, Amen Thompson played 79, Jabari Smith Jr. logged 77, and All-Star Alperen Sengun featured in 72 contests. With Thompson signing a contract extension and Sengun continuing his ascension, the youthful core offers a reliable baseline while the veterans attempt to stay on the floor.
Smart and VanVleet offer mutual backcourt insurance, and Durant is expected to accept logging fewer than 36 minutes per night to preserve his body for the playoffs. Ultimately, the team’s ceiling depends on whether the younger tier takes another developmental leap while the training staff manages the health of a high-mileage roster.
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