Rockets 2026-2027 NBA Training Camp: Day one update

For the Rockets, the top topic was Fred VanVleet 's health. VanVleet missed the entire 2025-2026 season, which played a major role in the Rockets' struggles. SB Nation asked Ime Udoka about VanVleet's health, and the coach said he doesn't expect the veteran point guard to play back-to-backs but is making good progress.

Media Day also gave me a chance to speak with Rocket players from last season, like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun , as well as the new additions, like Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic . Media day kicks off the new season and gives everyone a chance to see the players for the first time in several months, but the more important start is training camp.

Training camp kicked off a week earlier than normal for the Rockets, as they will start their season in China with two games against the Dallas Mavericks starting October 7, with the preseason on October 15th and the Rockets' one home preseason game on October 15. The Rockets began their training camp Wednesday at their training facility in Houston. SB Nation was out at Wednesday practice as Ime Udoka, Fred VanVleet, and Marcus Smart all spoke to the media afterward.