Rockets Finalize 17-Man Roster After One-Day Cut: Three Two-Way Players Successfully Retained
The Houston Rockets enter the new season with a young, dynamic roster headlined by superstar Kevin Durant, supported by a balanced mix of veterans and role players. If the team performs to its potential, the Rockets are expected to become the biggest threat to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference. Their goal for the regular season is clear—approach every game with focus, secure wins, and earn home-court advantage in the playoffs to fully showcase their strength.
Roster Trimming: Four Players Waived in One Day
With the regular season approaching, the Rockets streamlined their roster by releasing four fringe players in a single day. The cuts included training camp signee Garrison Mathews, as well as Conchier, Carey, and Hunter, who were signed just a day earlier.
These players are expected to join the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, the Rockets’ G League affiliate, where they’ll have an opportunity to continue developing and remain on standby should Houston require reinforcements during the season.
Current Roster Breakdown: 17 Players Remain
Despite veteran point guard Fred VanVleet being ruled out for the season due to injury, the Rockets currently hold 17 players—14 under standard NBA contracts and 3 on two-way deals.
Standard Contracts (14 Players):
Guards: Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Jrue Holiday
Shooting Guards: Reed Sheppard, Josh Okogie
Small Forwards: Kevin Durant, Tari Eason, Jae’Sean Tate
Power Forwards: Jabari Smith Jr., Dorian Finney-Smith, Jalen Green
Centers: Alperen Şengün, Steven Adams, Clint Capela
Three Two-Way Players Retained After Strong Performances
The Rockets decided to keep all three of their two-way contract players—Crawford, Davison, and Harris—following impressive performances in the final preseason game against the Atlanta Hawks.
Each player scored in double figures and contributed across the board in defense, rebounding, and playmaking. Their energy and consistency earned them a spot on the final roster, and they’ll remain with the team throughout the regular season under two-way contracts.
Notable Cuts: Mathews Among Those Waived
Among the waived players, Garrison Mathews is the most recognizable name. Despite participating in the Summer League and preseason, Mathews struggled offensively, showing limited scoring and shooting impact. While his defense was serviceable, the Rockets determined that a non-scoring forward did not fit their system.
As for Carey, Hunter, and Conchier, they were considered deep rotation options and did not figure prominently in the team’s long-term plans.
One Spot Still Open
The Rockets’ finalized 17-man roster came as no surprise, and the team still retains one open roster slot. Should an opportunity arise, Houston can sign an additional player—provided they free up the necessary cap space.
With their roster now set, the Rockets are ready to open the regular season against the Thunder, aiming to make a strong statement and prove themselves as legitimate contenders in the West.
