​Ime Udoka has announced the starting five for the Houston Rockets’ upcoming season. This starting lineup is exactly how I had previously predictedFred VanVleet (Point Guard)Fred VanVleet will be returning to his position as the starting point guard and primary floor general. VanVleet is fully focused on his comeback following recovery from a severe ACL tear. As he shared on his podcast, his drive to return is at an all-time high. Beyond his veteran leadership, VanVleet provides elite situational control and decision making, proven by his consistently high assist-to-turnover ratios.The Rockets lacked an experienced ball handler and floor general, and VanVleet’s return will fill that hole. However, since he is returning from a serious injury, Udoka will be cautious with his minutes, at least for the first half of the season. Amen Thompson (Shooting Guard)At just 23 years old, Thompson serves as the centerpiece of the Houston franchise, as proven by his recent $208 million contract extension. Standing as an elite, versatile defender with relentless interior impact, his ceiling rises even higher if new assistant coach Chip Engelland can refine his perimeter jumper to make him a true two-way star.Kevin Durant (Small Forward)The two-time champion and former MVP just turned 38 years old today, September 29, 2026. Durant remains one of the game’s all-time greats, but head coach Udoka will likely manage Durant’s workload far more conservatively this season in order to preserve him for the playoffs.Durant has opposed the idea of playing fewer minutes, but the decision will come down to Udoka. Ultimately, Durant was brought to Houston to win a championship, not an MVP award.Jabari Smith Jr. (Power Forward)Smith brings crucial defensive versatility to the frontcourt. Smith is a high-caliber winger who leverages his length and mobility to switch across multiple positions. On offense, he has developed into a lethal catch-and-shoot threat, knocking down 36.3% of his three-pointers. His ability to shoot over defenders forces opposing big men out of the paint, stretching the floor and opening critical driving lanes for his teammates.Alperen Şengün (Center)Fresh off back-to-back All-Star selections at just 24 years old, Şengün anchors the offense from the post. Last season he averaged 6.2 assists per game, the second-highest among all centers in the NBA.Şengün will operate as a mini-Jokic: a dynamic playmaking hub who can single-handedly manipulate half-court defenses. However, i do expect him to have reduced ball-handling and playmaking due to the return of VanVleet.Overall, this is a very strong and versatile starting line-up. If things go well, I expect this team to be able to make a push deep into the playoffs