The Houston Rockets are gearing up for an unprecedented season as they prepare to unveil the tallest lineup in NBA history on opening night. The Rockets’ coach Ime Udoka has confirmed that the team will deploy a lineup consisting of one 6-foot-7 player and four towering teammates, all standing between 6-10 and 6-11.
According to ESPN’s Michael C. Wright, the starting five will include 6-7 Amen Thompson, 6-10 Jabari Smith Jr., 6-11 Kevin Durant, 6-11 Alperen Sengun, and 6-11 Steven Adams. Udoka acknowledged the unique setup, stating, “We’re probably one of the biggest teams in the history of the league.”
This monumental decision comes partly due to the absence of veteran guard Fred VanVleet, who is out for the season. VanVleet’s experience and skill set would have been instrumental for the Rockets’ plans this year. In his stead, the team will rely on second-year guard Reed Sheppard to rise to the occasion. If Sheppard plays effectively, he may see significant minutes on the floor.
Despite the unconventional height of the lineup, the Rockets are not lacking playmaking capabilities. Thompson and Sengun both possess point guard skills, while the addition of Kevin Durant as a lead operator promises to bolster the team’s offensive strategy.
The Rockets will face the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder in their highly anticipated opener on Tuesday night, setting the stage for this unprecedented experiment in basketball. With such a distinctive approach to their roster, the Rockets are aiming high as they kick off the new NBA season.