Boasting one of the league's youngest rosters, the Houston Rockets have entered a youth movement following the James Harden trade.
The Rockets have built a roster around two talented guards in Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr. and one of the league's up-and-coming big men in Christian Wood.
The Rockets open their season on Oct. 20 with a matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Depth chart
| Starters | Second | Third | Fourth | |
| PG | Kevin Porter Jr. | D.J. Augustin | Dante Exum | John Wall* |
| SG | Jalen Green | Josh Christopher | David Nwaba | Armoni Brooks |
| SF | Jae'Sean Tate | Eric Gordon | Danuel House Jr. | Anthony Lamb |
| PF | Daniel Theis | Kenyon Martin Jr. | Usman Garuba | Tyler Bey |
| C | Christian Wood | Alperen Sengun |
* John Wall is not expected to play for the Rockets as the franchise tries to find a trade destination for the five-time All-Star
Key additions and subtractions
The Rockets were busy in the 2021 NBA Draft, adding four first-rounders in Jalen Green (No. 2), Alperen Sengun (No. 16), Usman Garuba (No. 23) and Josh Christopher (No. 24).
In free agency, the Rockets acquired Daniel Theis in a sign-and-trade with the Chicago Bulls.
The Rockets lost Kelly Olynyk , Avery Bradley and Sterling Brown in free agency.
Positional battles
There will be a battle in the frontcourt. Christian Wood shouldn't have to worry about playing time, but Daniel Theis , Kenyon Martin Jr. and Alperen Sengun will each be competing for minutes.
Additionally, the Rockets aren't short on depth in the backcourt.
Assuming Kevin Porter Jr., Jalen Green, Jae'Sean Tate and Eric Gordon get the bulk of the minutes at point guard, shooting guard and small forward, how many of D.J. Augustin, Josh Christopher, Dante Exum, Danuel House Jr., David Nwaba and Armoni Brooks will be a part of the rotation?
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.