Houston Rockets Will Open 2026-27 Training Camp
The Rockets officially begin their training camp on September 23 following a busy offseason of roster adjustments.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Basketball
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The Houston Rockets will open training camp on September 23, 2026, as the team looks to improve after consecutive 52-30 regular seasons. Following a first-round exit in the previous playoffs, the franchise has overhauled its backcourt to secure a deeper run in the Western Conference.
Why it matters
The team prioritized adding perimeter shooting and guard depth to address weaknesses that were exposed during their recent first-round playoff loss. By balancing these roster changes with a major long-term investment in core talent, the front office aims to move beyond their recent plateau.
The Rockets signed Marcus Smart to a $12.4 million deal and secured Amen Thompson with a $208 million extension. These moves follow two straight seasons where the team finished with an identical 52-30 record.
The players
Amen Thompson
A 23-year-old guard who signed a five-year, $208 million contract extension to remain with the franchise.
Marcus Smart
A veteran guard signed to a two-year, $12.4 million deal to bolster the team backcourt.
Bogdan Bogdanovic
A veteran player signed to a minimum-salary contract to provide additional shooting.
Bruce Thornton
A rookie guard acquired in a draft-day trade to strengthen the team bench.
The details
Houston focused on increasing backcourt production by signing Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic while drafting Bruce Thornton. To facilitate these changes, the organization moved away from previous salary commitments tied to Clint Capela and Dorian Finney-Smith.
Timeline
September 22, 2026: Media day for the Rockets.
September 23, 2026: Rockets training camp opens.
Spring 2027: Western Conference playoffs.
Roadmap
The Rockets are pivoting away from the frontcourt-heavy build that defined their previous two 52-30 seasons. This roster shift aligns with the broader league trend of prioritizing perimeter versatility to compete in the Western Conference playoffs.
Fans can expect a shift in team play style toward guard-oriented schemes as the franchise integrates its new acquisitions. Ticket holders and observers will see these changes immediately when the season begins this fall.
The takeaway
By reallocating salary space toward backcourt depth, the Rockets are betting that perimeter shooting is the missing ingredient for playoff success. The team will now look to see if this new roster configuration can elevate them past their recent competitive ceiling.
Further reading
For more on team developments, visit Basketball.
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