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.

Dorian Finney-Smith’s arrival gives Houston a veteran perimeter defender and a trusted voice for Amen Thompson as he takes on more on-ball duties. The offseason included work with The Guard Whisperer to sharpen shot mechanics and mid-range confidence.

Thompson posted 14.1 ppg and earned all-defense honors last season, but his 3-point shooting lagged at 27.5%. With VanVleet sometimes out, he’ll handle more and need to prove range, aided by improved chemistry with Sengün and Smith and Udoka’s patient approach.