Overview
- The Rockets opened training camp Monday with reporters saying the roster is more balanced after adding Marcus Smart, drafting Bruce Thornton and signing Bogdan Bogdanović to provide guard depth and shooting.
- Houston confirmed VanVleet is medically cleared for camp and has looked good in practice, though the team plans to limit him in back-to-back games as staff gauges his post-ACL readiness.
- Media analysis identifies three players most likely to be moved if Houston needs roster space: Reed Sheppard for his young upside and tradable $11.1 million contract, VanVleet for his expiring $25 million salary and health uncertainty, and Clint Capela because he faces a rotation squeeze behind Alperen Şengün and Steven Adams.
- General manager Rafael Stone retains flexibility to pursue a major deal during the season or next summer thanks to the mix of low-cost young contracts and movable veteran salaries.
- The changes respond to pressure after consecutive first-round exits and Amen Thompson’s recent five-year, $208 million extension, creating high expectations and a numbers problem that could drive in-season roster moves.