Houston’s training camp hinges on replacing Fred VanVleet after ACL surgery. Kevin Durant arrives as a high-impact playmaker and scorer, while Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard take on more ball handling duties and Alperen Şengün helps run the offense from the middle. The Rockets plan a versatile, evolving attack that can swing from small-ball to big-lineups as they test new rotations in camp.

Durant’s presence supports a committee approach to offense, with Simmons-like playmaking from Sengün and aggressive off-ball movement from Durant, Thompson, and Sheppard. The goal is balance, pace, and growth from the rookie guards, all while navigating VanVleet’s absence and maintaining defensive versatility.