Rockets Sharpen Defense in Macau as VanVleet Returns, Smart Reunites with Udoka
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
The Houston Rockets held their public practice session in Macau on October 8, presenting a squad transformed by the return of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet and the offseason acquisition of defensive stalwart Marcus Smart. The team is preparing for the NBA China Game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 9 at a sold-out arena. Superstar Kevin Durant, making his first visit to Macau, stole the spotlight while sharing his enthusiasm for former teammate Kyrie Irving's comeback from a lengthy injury layoff.
Key Points
- The Rockets split players into two groups during practice: a likely starting unit featuring Durant, VanVleet, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Amen Thompson, while Smart led the second unit
- VanVleet has fully recovered from the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus tears he suffered before last season, declaring himself ready to serve as the team's "connector" and share point guard duties with young Amen Thompson
- Smart, who won Defensive Player of the Year under Udoka with the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 season, called the reunion "incredible" and aims to provide veteran leadership in clutch moments
- Durant played 78 games last season averaging 36 minutes per game at age 38, rejecting the load management trend by stating injuries are unavoidable regardless of rest
- Kyrie Irving will make his return from an 1.5-year ACL injury absence in tomorrow's game, prompting Durant to comment "basketball needs Kyrie on the court"
- Durant expressed sadness over Russell Westbrook's retirement announcement, praising his former Oklahoma City teammate's legendary career
Why It Matters
With multiple capable ball handlers now on the roster, Rockets head coach Udoka emphasized that the team no longer needs to rely on a single player for playmaking, allowing for versatile lineup combinations against Western Conference rivals . The China Games serve as a high-profile stage for Durant, who remains a dominant force at 38 and plans to return to Asia next summer .
With multiple capable ball handlers now on the roster, Rockets head coach Udoka emphasized that the team no longer needs to rely on a single player for playmaking, allowing for versatile lineup combinations against Western Conference rivals . The China Games serve as a high-profile stage for Durant, who remains a dominant force at 38 and plans to return to Asia next summer .