With standard roster spots still vacant, Houston faces a critical crossroad. Relying solely on aging veterans risks stagnation for a team desperate for durable, impactful wing depth.
The Houston Rockets have been one of the least active teams this offseason, barely changing the roster at all. While that does show a level of confidence in the team, there still is more work to be done.
There’s currently only 13 standard contracts on the roster, with the minimum to start the season being 14. Since JD Davison’s salary isn’t fully guaranteed until January 10th, per Spotrac, he could easily be waived and bring the total down to 12 players.
My concern is that the last spot will be only be filled by Jeff Green. I love the guy, but the Rockets really need to prioritize a soon to be 40-year-old veteran?
Kevin Durant will be 38 in September, Bogdan Bogdanovic turns 34 in August, Steven Adams has his 33rd birthday later this month.
Fred VanVleet, Clint Capela, and Marcus Smart will all be 32 to start the season, and none of these guys mentioned are guaranteed to stay healthy.
As I previously covered on Roundtable, the Rockets are in need of another wing following the departures of Josh Okogie and Dorian Finney-Smith.
With free agent forwards coming off the table, Houston needs to prioritize signing someone who can contribute on the court. Jeff Green will be a great presence off of the court, but would rarely play.
He’s looking to play 20 seasons and finish with the Rockets, but this year would “only” be his 19th, though. If Houston cares to keep that hope alive, I pray that they’re also willing to sign multiple players.
