Jae’Sean Tate is sidelined in the preseason as he rehabs a right ankle impingement that required surgery, aiming for a Feb... wait, Oct. 21 season opener at Oklahoma City. He’s progressing with non-contact drills and believes he’s getting stronger, ready to contribute as a flexible defender and ball-miller in Houston’s wing-heavy rotations.

Across the roster, Finney-Smith shares a similar rehab path, and Ime Udoka notes they’re in the same recovery lane, with Tate perhaps edging ahead. The Rockets’ lineup emphasizes size and length, with Tate embracing a versatile role as they plan to deploy him wherever needed, including small-ball and on-ball responsibilities.