Udoka Leaves Rockets’ Final Starting Spot Open Heading Into Camp
udoka-says-rockets-fifth-starter-to-be-determined-at-camp
The Houston Rockets will wait until training camp later this month to decide who joins Kevin Durant, Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson and Fred VanVleet in the opening lineup, head coach Ime Udoka said this week.
Speaking at a September 11 community event, Udoka told RocketsWire reporter Ben DuBose that the fifth spot is “to be determined,” adding that the club’s increased depth and versatility make multiple configurations possible.
Forward Jabari Smith Jr. appears to be a leading candidate after a productive offseason. The 6-11 former No. 3 pick started 39 games last season before a January hand fracture sidelined him. Thompson replaced him and kept the job through the playoffs, leaving Smith to finish the year as sixth man.
Houston’s late-season success with dual-center lineups could put veteran Steven Adams in the mix as well, particularly against bigger opponents. Although Adams started only three regular-season games, Udoka leaned on him heavily during the first-round series against Golden State.
Free-agent signee Dorian Finney-Smith, who helped stabilize the Lakers’ defense after a mid-season trade, offers wing defense and a 41.1% three-point mark that could complement Durant on the perimeter. Another option is fourth-year forward Tari Eason, a disruptive defender who logged a career-high 16 starts last season but is less proven from long range.
Houston overhauled its roster in June, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft to Phoenix for Durant. With four starting roles locked in, Udoka said the final decision will come down to performance once camp opens.
Source: HoopsRumors
