Houston Rockets

Fred VanVleet

G

With VanVleet having missed the entire 2025-26 campaign after suffering a torn ACL late last offseason, it's encouraging to hear he's back on the court as a notable step in his recovery. The veteran point guard is almost a full calendar year removed from the surgery, so there's optimism he'll be ready for Opening Night in late October. His levels of participation in training camp and the preseason remain a question mark, though.

Kevin Durant

F

He also helped lead the Rockets to a 52-30 record and a playoff berth despite battling injuries late in the year. Houston made no major changes to its core during the offseason, so Durant should once again operate as the club's primary scoring option while chasing another deep postseason run.

Steven Adams

C

Adams was already viewed as out indefinitely with a Grade 3 sprain, but now he won't be able to return during the 2025-26 campaign. The veteran big man is under contract with Houston through the 2027-28 season. With Adams' year now over, Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith are set to split the backup center duties behind Alperen Sengun.