4 Shocking Rockets starting 5s that could be reality by 2026

3. A jumbo-sized lineup

C:   Alperen Sengun 

PF: Jabari Smith Jr. 

SF:  Lauri Markkanen 

SG: Reed Sheppard

PG: Amen Thompson 

Do you like size? 

The modern NBA likes size. That could bode well for this lineup - it’s huge. Outside of Sheppard, the Rockets would have average-to-plus size at every position. 

That’s the driving concept behind this lineup. Sure, we’re running into the same spacing concerns between Thompson and Sengun. With some creativity and strong shooting around them, the team should be able to mitigate those issues. 

Ideally, Eason is still on the roster here. He’d be a super-sub capable of coming in at either forward position. The Rockets could even get extremely funky by plugging him in at the 2 for some ultra jumbo lineups.