The Houston Rockets' point guard rotation for the 2026-27 season is a topic that has been generating a lot of buzz, and for good reason. With a mix of established stars and promising young talent, the team has a lot of options to consider. In my opinion, the Rockets should be prepared for a committee approach, with a few key players taking on different roles. Let's dive into the analysis and explore the possibilities.
The Starting Point Guard: Fred VanVleet or Reed Sheppard?
Fred VanVleet, the presumptive starter, is facing an uncertain future due to a knee injury. While he is expected to be on the floor for the opening buzzer, his grip on the starting position is tenuous. The obvious heir to his throne is Reed Sheppard, but head coach Ime Udoka may have other plans. From my perspective, the Rockets should give VanVleet every opportunity to regain his form before making any drastic changes.
Sheppard, the third overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has shown promise as a defensive liability. However, his offensive rating drops when playing with Alperen Sengun, raising questions about their compatibility. The prevailing assumption is that Sheppard and Sengun cannot defend together, but the data suggests otherwise. It's possible that their incompatibility lies in their offensive playstyles.
The Role of Alperen Sengun
Sengun, the starting center, is a play-finishing big who needs a quality point guard to succeed. However, his efficiency around the rim decreased when playing with VanVleet in the 2025-26 season. This raises a deeper question: if Sengun is a star playmaker, why does he need a point guard to thrive? Shouldn't he be the floor spacer who can make simple entry passes without activating the point guard in the pick-and-roll? Marcus Smart, with his playmaking abilities and defensive prowess, could be the perfect fit for Sengun.
The Committee Approach
In my opinion, the Rockets should explore all backcourt options and embrace a committee approach. VanVleet has earned the initial nod, but the team should closely monitor his performance in the 2026-27 season. If he isn't the man he used to be, Smart should be next in line. Sheppard, meanwhile, should be given more minutes piloting the second unit, with the goal of increasing his usage and potentially starting by the end of the year if he breaks out.
The Role of Bruce Thornton
Bruce Thornton, with his unique weight and strength for his height, plays bigger than 6'1
