Houston’s rebuilding turn looks accelerated after a top seed run and a first‑round exit. Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury opens the door for Amen Thompson to deliver a true step forward in playmaking and scoring, while Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney‑Smith and Clint Capela bring veteran balance to a young, athletic core. Reed Sheppard should see real minutes, and Ime Udoka’s system could turn Houston into a formidable, fast-defensive group in 2025‑26.

Dorian Finney-Smith will miss the start of Houston’s season after ankle surgery, compounding the Rockets’ depth issues as Fred VanVleet eyes an extended absence with a torn ACL. Finney-Smith’s absence thrusts Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard into bigger roles, with Amen Thompson handling more ball-handling duties. Jeff Green and Jae’Sean Tate must provide spacing and veteran leadership while Houston navigates a shaky start and seeks to recapture its shooting identity.

In the short term, Smith Jr. and Eason become focal points on the wings, Sheppard gains chances to contribute as a secondary playmaker, and Green/Tate pick up minutes to stabilize. The Rockets must bridge a gap in 3-point shooting and playmaking as they wait for Finney-Smith and VanVleet to return, testing how the young core adapts to extended roles and a new rotation dynamic.