Amir Motameni

Joined: Jul 1, 2026

Sep 22, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) poses for a picture during media day at Hilton Americas hotel. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

News

Jabari Smith Jr. is coming off the best season of his young career, and Fred VanVleet's return could help the 23-year-old take another significant step.

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Houston doesn't need Durant to chase an MVP award, but it does need its superstar healthy and ready to close games when they matter most.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Features

Kevin Durant leads a talented group at small forward, with Tari Eason and Bogdan Bogdanovic giving Houston plenty of depth and versatility.

Apr 29, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) moves the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half in game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Houston signed Amen Thompson for five more years, and the massive extension could look like a bargain if he makes the leap this season.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) warms up prior to game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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ESPN ranks Rockets guard Reed Sheppard fourth among its Sixth Man of the Year favorites, and Fred VanVleet's return could help him make a run at the award.

Apr 7, 2026; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Jalen Green (4) scuffles with Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson in the first half at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Features

With Fred VanVleet back to handle more of the point guard duties, Thompson can focus even more on what he does best for the Houston Rockets

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets center Alperen Sengun (28) helps up Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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The Rockets On SI staff debates who will be Houston’s best player by the end of the season, with Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun in the mix.

Feb 23, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (15) celebrates forward Kevin Durant (7) and forward Tari Eason (17) play against the Utah Jazz in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

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Tari Eason’s defense, three-point shooting and chemistry with Amen Thompson could make him the Houston Rockets’ most important player off the bench.

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Jabari Smith Jr. continues to be overlooked despite his versatility, defensive value and untapped upside. Here's why he's still the Houston Rockets' most underrated player entering 2026-27.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) sit on the bench against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Stay up to date with the Houston Rockets' 2026-27 roster, including contracts, salaries, depth chart, options, extension eligibility and salary cap updates.

May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) rebounds against the Los Angeles Lakers during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

Features

With continued development and Fred VanVleet back to run the offense, Thompson appears poised to earn his first NBA All-Star selection.

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Our Rockets On SI writers weigh whether preserving Kevin Durant for the playoffs should take priority over maximizing his regular-season workload.

Amir Motameni

Joined: Jul 1, 2026

Kevin Durant Continues to Defy Age in Latest Rankings

Amen Thompson Has Extra Motivation Entering New Rockets Season

Kevin Durant Pushes Back on Potential Rockets Plan

Rockets Get Major Fred VanVleet Update at Media Day

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Why Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. Could Be the Big Surprise of Rockets Camp

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What Kevin Durant Needs to Do for Rockets This Season

Features

Previewing the Houston Rockets Small Forwards for the 2026-2027 Season

Rockets Lock Up Rising Star Amen Thompson With Massive New Contract

News

The Award that Reed Sheppard Could Win in 2026-27

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Amen Thompson Has a Real Shot at This Award

Features

Who Will Be the Rockets’ Best Player by the End of the Season?

Features

Why This Player Could Be the Rockets’ Biggest X-Factor

The Most Underrated Player on the Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets 2026-27 Roster: Contracts, Salaries, Options and Depth Chart

Amen Thompson Is Ready to Become the Houston Rockets' Next All-Star

Should Houston Load Manage Kevin Durant?