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.