The Houston Rockets are gearing up for the 2025-26 NBA season with a remarkable roster featuring multiple players capable of playing the center position. Despite boasting a standout young center in Alperen Sengun, the team is set to enter the new season with at least six players who can fill this critical role, promising to challenge opposing coaches throughout the campaign.
Following a strong performance in the 2024-25 season, where the Rockets finished with a record of 50 wins and secured the second seed in the playoffs, the team has embraced a strategic shift in their player acquisitions. The Rockets’ management has invested heavily in the center position, a marked change from the approach of former general manager Daryl Morey, who traditionally focused on minimizing backup investments for star players.
Key Additions Bolster Center Position
The Rockets’ strategy appears to be paying off, particularly with the addition of veteran center Steven Adams. Although Adams joined the team the previous year, injuries limited his contributions, allowing him to participate in only 58 games last season, where he averaged 13.7 minutes per game. Despite limited playtime, Adams’ impact was substantial; he helped the Rockets become the top offensive rebounding team in the league, laying the groundwork for their offensive identity.
In the upcoming season, the Rockets will also welcome Clint Capela, another seasoned center, enhancing their ability to utilize dual-center lineups. Capela’s presence will not only provide cover for Adams’ potential availability issues but will also introduce a dynamic lob-catcher to the team, offering a vital scoring option alongside Sengun.
With both Adams and Capela available, the Rockets can employ various lineups that include a post-scorer, a bruiser, or a rim-runner, allowing for greater flexibility in their offensive approach.
Innovative Lineup Possibilities
The Rockets are not limiting themselves to traditional center roles, as they plan to explore innovative “small-ball” lineups during the 2025-26 season. Notably, the acquisition of Kevin Durant adds a significant dynamic to the roster. Known for his versatility, Durant will likely play a crucial role as an extra guard, potentially even at the center position.
In a potential small-ball lineup, the Rockets could field players who are six-foot-seven and taller. Amen Thompson, known for his defensive prowess, may serve as the point guard alongside formidable three-point shooters such as Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Jabari Smith Jr.. Each could take turns occupying the center position, contributing to a more agile and offensive-minded lineup.
Although the Rockets’ coaching staff, led by defensive specialist Ime Udoka, seems invested in maintaining a dual-big strategy, they are expected to experiment with smaller lineups, especially when Sengun rests. Such tactical flexibility could provide new scoring opportunities and enhance their defensive schemes.
The team also features Tari Eason, who, despite having a developing shooting game, offers significant defensive energy. While Eason could theoretically play center in a small-ball setup, the Rockets are likely to utilize his strengths in disrupting opposing offenses.
As the season unfolds, the Rockets will have to navigate potential challenges, including depth issues in their guard positions, particularly if Fred VanVleet faces any injuries. Nevertheless, with a roster rich in size and talent, the Rockets are poised for a creative and competitive 2025-26 season, showcasing their commitment to both traditional and innovative basketball strategies.
In this era of evolving team dynamics, the Houston Rockets are embracing a dual approach that emphasizes size while remaining open to the opportunities presented by smaller, more versatile lineups. As they prepare to take the court, their strategic depth at the center position could prove to be a significant factor in their success this coming season.