Rockets' New Season Point Guard Analysis: Veteran Rotation Stable, Rookies Struggle to Find Opportunities_Defense_VanVleet_Players

On September 3, the Houston Rockets' roster for the new season was basically finalized, with the rotation at forward and center becoming relatively clear. However, the most competitive point guard position has become a key part of the team's rotation planning. Currently, the Rockets have multiple players competing at the one position, including Fred VanVleet, Marcus Smart, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Thornton, creating a highly competitive situation. Based on the team's tactical system, player characteristics, and coaching preferences, the starting, backup, and fringe rotation roles at point guard are becoming clearer, with a distinct hierarchy.

Without a doubt, VanVleet will serve as the Rockets' starting point guard in the new season. He was the team's backcourt core last season. Although he is nearing 32 and his athleticism has declined, his value on the court remains indispensable. As one of the few guards with top-level big-game experience, VanVleet can consistently organize the offense and control the pace, especially in crucial moments when he can better coordinate the offensive cooperation of core players such as Sengun and Durant.

In addition, VanVleet's perimeter shooting and tough defense fit highly well with Udoka's offensive and defensive system. Last season, he repeatedly carried the team's backcourt offense and defense in key games, becoming an important factor in maintaining the team's competitiveness. As his condition gradually recovers during the offseason, VanVleet holds clear advantages over the team's other young guards in stability, game control, and tactical execution. As long as he remains healthy, his starting position will be difficult to challenge.

As for the team's second backup point guard, we believe Smart will secure this role. As one of the league's top defensive specialists, Smart's value comes from his defensive ability and tenacious playing style rather than high scoring output. Udoka has always valued backcourt defense, and Smart can effectively defend opponents' perimeter stars, making up for the young Rockets players' lack of defensive experience and improving the team's overall defensive strength.

Although Smart's offensive efficiency is not particularly outstanding, he has reliable three-point shooting and basic playmaking ability. He can maintain the team's rhythm when VanVleet rests and prevent the bench unit from suffering a collapse on both ends of the floor. Compared with younger players, Smart's extensive on-court experience and defensive discipline better fit the team's championship pursuit, making him the best choice for the backup point guard role.

For young players such as Amen Thompson, Sheppard, and Thornton, they will play different roles at their respective positions in the new season. Amen Thompson has outstanding physical abilities, but he has clear weaknesses in shooting and still needs improvement in organizing the offense. He often creates spacing issues when paired with interior players, so he may not be suited for a pure point guard role and could be used more as a forward.

Sheppard has shooting potential, but he has clear defensive weaknesses and relatively insufficient physical strength, making it difficult for him to adapt to Udoka's disciplined defensive system. The team will not sacrifice regular-season results simply to develop him. However, as an off-ball shooter, he still has room to contribute.

As for rookie Thornton, due to his lack of game experience, he could even miss a significant portion of the regular season. The Rockets have a clear goal this season of competing for a championship, so they will place greater emphasis on roster stability and immediate impact. Under these circumstances, the development and cultivation of young players will temporarily take a secondary position, and there is almost no possibility of a new player moving up into the point guard rotation.

Overall, the Rockets' point guard setup for the new season shows a clear divide. VanVleet and Smart firmly occupy the core rotation roles, while young players face difficulties breaking through. This mature and stable backcourt combination will determine the ceiling of the Rockets' performance next season.