Reviewing the Houston Rockets Offseason Thus Far

The Houston Rockets have not made a blockbuster trade this summer. However, many improvements have been made to help better the team and reduce their weaknesses. Two of the biggest issues that Houston had during the last season were roster depth and three-point shooting.

During this offseason, the changes and moves made by management have improved the depth and shooting weaknesses that forced the Rockets’ 2025-2026 playoffs to end early in the first round.

One way that Houston has actively improved is via free agency. The Rockets have made a few free-agent signings, with the two most valuable additions being Bogdan Bogdanović and Marcus Smart.

Smart’s addition to Houston’s player rotation betters the roster depth at the guard position, while also bringing in a veteran to help lead the young  core. Smart also fits in very well with Ime Udoka’s coaching tactics. This is proven by the time they spent together in Boston playing for the Celtics in 2022. Both Smart and Udoka helped take the Celtics to the NBA Finals, and Smart won the Defensive Player of the Year award.

Bogdanović’s signing to the Rockets also helps improve the team’s roster depth. However,  the more valuable aspect of his acquisition is that he adds a three-point shooter to the team. Over his 9-year-long career, Bogdanović has shot an impressive 38.1% from three-point range, proving his effectiveness and the value that he can add to Houston’s roster.

Houston also made a great roster addition by trading up for Bruce Thornton during the most recent draft. Thornton’s outstanding collegiate career at Ohio State University earned him the 31st overall selection in the draft. The 22-year-old rookie has already impressed during the NBA Summer League and is showing a lot of promise that he can play a prominent role in Udoka’s player rotation moving forward.

Houston is also welcoming back both Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams. Both players suffered season-ending injuries last year, but they are both nearing a return to the court. Lastly,

Houston recently hired Chip Engelland from the Oklahoma City Thunder on July 22. Engelland will be Houston’s assistant coach under Udoka going forward and was brought in mostly to help hone the Rockets’ shooting. Engelland has earned himself the nickname “The Shot Doctor” for the transformations he has had on poor or mediocre shooting.

All of these changes have improved Houston overall. Are these improvements enough to make a run in the playoffs next season?