The Rockets may be stuck in an impossible position after brutal beginning to season

The Houston Rockets are disappointed to start the season 0-2. Their flaws could not be more obvious:

They're too slow, and they need a point guard.

These are simple problems, but they don't have simple solutions. It's going to be difficult to navigate their way through 2025-26 as constructed. Let's deal with both problems individually:

If that's possible.

Rockets need to change the starting lineup

The size issue seems easier to deal with. It starts - as any lineup issue does - with the starting lineup.

The double big formation dominated opponents in 2024-25. It's not going that way this year. It seems like the scouting report is out. When the Rockets play Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun together, they can easily be outrun.

The Rockets should start Sengun alongside Jabari Smith Jr., Kevin Durant, Josh Okogie, and Amen Thompson. When Dorian Finney-Smith returns, he's likely to snag Okogie's place.

That's not to say they should abandon the double bigs entirely. Instead, those lineups should be used situationally. The Rockets can lean into their size, but they don't need to overdo it. The proposed starting lineup will still give them more height than most NBA teams:

Although it does come with its own issues.

The Rockets' lack of a point guard is glaring

Through two games, it seems apparent that Amen Thompson isn't ready to run point.

Against the Pistons, he had 1 assist. It's not that Thompson doesn't have the floor vision. It's more that his (still) broken jump shot limits his functionality as a floor general. Moreover, his job description is simply too robust if he's intended to run the offense and anchor the defense at the same time.

By contrast, Sengun's playmaking has been effective. He's averaging 7.0 assists and 3.5 turnovers per game over Houston's first pair of contests. That's a small sample size, but if it did hold throughout the year, it would make Sengun a viable primary playmaker. The Rockets are lucky to get that from the 5 spot:

But it's not enough.

In time, this team is going to need a point guard. Reed Sheppard doesn't appear ready. If he can pilot the second unit by the end of the year, that would be a success.

So, a move is likely on the horizon. Unfortunately, it can't happen any time soon. The Rockets may need to weather the storm until the bulk of their roster is trade eligible, but without a point guard, it's likely to be a disappointing season:

At least, that's how it's started out.