2 Surprising Rockets lineups that could play important minutes

The Houston Rockets have a lot of options.

I've discussed that at length. Typically, I've written about their options in terms of roster flexibility. The Rockers could let their core gradually develop together, or, they could trade for a superstar.

Still, that optionality extends to the basketball floor. The Rockets have considerable flexibility with their current roster. Given the number of versatile wings on deck, they can run a wide range of lineups.

Here are two lineups that could really shake things up in 2024-25.

Lineup #1 - Rockets switch everything

C: Jabari Smith Jr.
PF: Tari Eason
SF: Amen Thompson
SG: Dillon Brooks
PG: Jalen Green

That's a lot of wings.

Outside of Green, every player in this lineup could be classified as a wing. It speaks to the primacy of positionless basketball in 2024.

Some may have expected to see Reed Sheppard in this lineup. Fair. You could swap either Brooks or Green out for him, but we opted for Brooks for the defensive versatility (more on that later). Otherwise, the main motivating factor for running this lineup is to see how Green can operate in space. The idea is to build on the success he had last March with Smith Jr. at the 5.

This should be a supercharged version of that same group. We're introducing Tari Eason into the formula. The switchability the Rockets have from 2-through-5 here could make them menacing on the defensive end.

It's an evolution of small ball. It resembles small ball in the sense that there's no conventional big man on the floor, but it's hard to call this group small. There's a staggering amount of length with this lineup.

Still, if you prefer some size in your lineup, you'll prefer this second grouping.

Lineup #2 - Rockets overwhelm with size

C: Steven Adams
PF: Alperen Sengun
SF: Tari Eason
SG: Reed Sheppard
PG: Fred VanVleet

The first lineup is designed to swarm. This one is designed to bludgeon.

What really jumps out here is the potential for dominance on the glass. Adams and Eason are both among the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. Sengun is a capable rebounder as well. The Rockets should generate plenty of extra possessions with this lineup.

They'll also be physically overwhelming. That even applies in the backcourt. VanVleet is short, but he's strong and no stranger to physicality.

Granted, the spacing here is weak. That's why Sheppard makes his way into the lineup. If his three-point gravity is as advertised, he could compensate for some of this unit's shooting limitations.

That said, this really works if Sengun develops as a shooter. A boost in efficiency from Eason would help as well. The further that duo can progress their shooting, the more tenable this lineup would be for regular use.

If nothing else, it's an option.