Revamped Rockets depth chart shows they still have plenty of work to do

The Rockets' offseason has been underway for a while, but sadly their depth chart looks largely the same as last season with a few key changes. Once again, Houston looks like they will be heavily reliant on veterans well into their 30s - most notably Kevin Durant - without meaningfully upgrading the roster around them. Even the Rockets' great moves of the offseason have been overshadowed by their overall lack of urgency.

We can go through the depth chart one position at a time to see how much things have changed and stayed the same so far, compared to last season. Keep in mind that stability from one season to the next isn't always a bad thing, but is probably not optimal when the season ended in disappointment like the Rockets did a few months ago.

Point guard

Early projection: Fred VanVleet, Marcus Smart, Bruce Thornton

The point guard position could be the most crucial for the Rockets due to their lack of playmaking elsewhere on the floor. Last season, Houston struggled mightily without any experienced point guards on the roster but now gets VanVleet back from injury. The Rockets also added a small safety blanket - along with more roster flexibility - by signing Smart to a small 2 year contract.

VanVleet carries injury concerns after missing the entirety of last season with knee issues. He's heading into his age 32 season as a small guard coming off ACL and meniscus tears. That's often been a recipe for major regression throughout NBA history, but the Rockets will still ask him to play a big role.

Smart could be solid backup to take some minutes and load off VanVleet, but carries his own question marks. He's known for his size, toughness and defensive intensity at the point guard position - all strengths that play into the Rockets' identity. But Smart has never been the best decision-maker during his NBA career and that's where he could struggle with the Rockets' cramped spacing as the lone point guard on the floor.

Shooting guard

Early projection: Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard

Thompson and Sheppared should have the opportunity to slide back into more natural off-ball roles next season. Both were often tasked with running point guard last season, but it was a rough fit given their lack of prior experience and young age. Hopefully, both should see more consistent production from the shooting guard spot.

Two seasons ago, Thompson was one of the best defenders in the entire NBA while playing on the wing. If he can find that magic again as a shooting guard next season, Houston's formidable defense could take another leap. Even with his lack of shooting, Thompson can still be an offensive force by using his downhill driving ability and playing smartly off his teammates.

Sheppard brings a shooting and scoring punch off the bench. He was Houston's best long-range weapon last season and should have even more freedom to get shots up next season in bench minutes. But the Rockets still have to add more guard depth behind their two young guns.

Small forward

Early projection: Kevin Durant, Bogdan Bogdanovic

This position is where the Rockets' lack of young depth really becomes apparent. Durant will turn 38 before the season starts, but he'll still carry a huge workload. And his only real backup at the same position right now will be 34 years old struggling with his own injuries.

The Rockets' other attempts at adding better depth on the wing have failed spectacularly in recent seasons, but it remains a priority when the alternative is having Durant contend on the league leaderboard in minutes during his twilight years.

Power forward

Early projection: Jabari Smith Jr, Tari Eason

This might be the Rockets' most solid position in terms of depth. Smith is a great supporting piece with 3-and-D capabiltiies among the starters, while Eason brings great defense off the bench and an improving shot. The Rockets could use some more depth to shore up the frontline, especially if Eason faces more injuries, but they're doing well at power forward.

Center

Early projection: Alperen Sengun, Steven Adams, Clint Capela

One look at the names here should tell you all you need to know. The Rockets are asking their brightest young star to play some huge minutes with only a couple of washed-up veterans behind them. Adams missed over half of last season with an ankle injury, while Capela looked completely ineffective due to his physical decline. Houston shouldn't be reliant on either as the primary backup at their given ages, but they don't have any other options currently.

In some positions, the Rockets' depth chart looks solid but there is a clear theme to the roster: too much age in important roles. That overreliance on elder statesmen could quickly come back to bite the Rockets if their veterans decline with age or get injured.

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