Rockets may have just created the league's deepest bench

When the Houston Rockets pulled off their blockbuster deal for Kevin Durant, it was easy to assume that would be the headline of the summer. But what may prove even more important over the long grind of the season is everything else they did after that. By quietly stacking their bench with proven veterans and high-level role players, Houston might have just assembled the deepest second unit in the entire NBA.

Assuming the starting lineup features Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun, the group coming off the bench is not only experienced but also tailor-made to complement that core. The bench unit now includes Reed Sheppard, Dorian Finney-Smith, Steven Adams, Tari Eason, Clint Capela, Jae’Sean Tate, Josh Okogie, Jeff Green, and Aaron Holiday. Every single one of those players has logged meaningful NBA minutes, and most of them have played in postseason environments before.

What makes this group so valuable is the variety they bring. Capela and Adams offer rim protection and rebounding. Finney-Smith and Okogie give you switchable defense on the wing. Sheppard and Holiday are reliable ball-handlers who can keep the offense organized. Eason and Tate bring energy and toughness. Green is a veteran scorer who still finds ways to contribute when called upon. You do not often see a roster this balanced from one through ten, let alone as deep as twelve or more.

The Rockets' bench is built for a deep playoff run

This kind of depth gives Ime Udoka the freedom to mix and match lineups depending on the opponent. He can play big or small, fast or slow, offensively or defensively-minded. He can stagger Durant’s minutes to keep him fresh, and rest VanVleet on back-to-backs without having to force anything. And more importantly, the Rockets are now built to survive the inevitable injuries or fatigue that hit every contender during an 82-game season.

It is also a win culturally. Most of these bench players are known for embracing their roles. Okogie, Tate, Adams, Finney-Smith, these are all guys who do not need touches to impact a game. And for a team that's now clearly in win-now mode, surrounding the stars with players like that is the best-case scenario.

The Rockets took their biggest swing when they landed Durant, but the moves that followed are going to be what wins them more games. A deep, focused, and selfless bench can be the difference between a playoff appearance and a legitimate run. And right now, no second unit in the NBA looks better built for that job than Houston’s.