What happened: Houston's offseason picture turns on VanVleet returning from injury and lifting the offense around its top players. The expected rotation changes also point to Smart over Okogie, Bogdanovic in Holiday's spot and a promotion for Crawford, with Finney-Smith outside the main mix.
Why it matters: That matters because Houston is trying to settle its backcourt and wing hierarchy before opening night, not just stack another veteran move. The Rockets already committed to their core with Amen Thompson's five-year, $208 million extension, so health and rotation clarity are the next pressure points entering camp.
By the numbers: Houston opens the 2026-27 regular season Oct. 21 against Dallas. The Rockets signed Marcus Smart to a two-year, $13 million deal in July, and Aaron Holiday left for Maxima Roma in August.
What to watch: Training camp should show whether VanVleet can handle full lead-guard duties and whether Crawford's bigger role survives preseason trimming. The Oct. 21 opener against Dallas is the first real test of that balance.