Training Camp Takeaways: Houston Rockets Changing Their 'Perception'

The Houston Rockets spent four days in Lake Charles for training camp, but what could be considered the three most important takeaways?

LAKE CHARLES, La. — The Houston Rockets spent four days in Lake Charles, where they held training camp before the start of the 2023-24 campaign. 

Ahead of their first preseason game against the Indiana Pacers Tuesday night, here are three takeaways from the Rockets training camp practices inside the Legacy Center at McNeese State University.

Alperen Sengun is working on improving his defense: Alperen Sengun feels he is faster and stronger ahead of his third season, and his improved conditioning will help him reach new heights next season.

"We want him to be well-rounded like the rest of the group," coach Ime Udoka said. "He is a great scorer and passer, who can initiate the offense. But you just take what he does well. We had an idea of how we could use him. But now it's about taking those things and adding to it."

Sengun has been a staple for the Rockets rebuilding project over the previous two seasons. But despite his success, Sengun's most significant struggle came on the defensive end. He was a liability last season, posting a defensive rating of 120.3, while opponents shot 50.0 percent from the field.

Defense may never be Sengun's best attribute. But the 21-year-old big man spent all of training camp trying to improve his defensive production. Udoka will have each player switching one through five, and Sengun never shied away from defending on the perimeter.

Amen Thompson blew past Sengun at times during five-on-five play. But Sengun never lost confidence and continued to showcase his defensive effort.

"My legs were not strong enough," Sengun said. "But this summer, I worked on my legs for quickness and jumping. I believe my defense is going to be better this year because I worked a lot on my hips and legs."

Rockets center Alperen Sengun dunks the ball during the third quarter against the Pelicans / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Fred VanVleet takes the lead as captain: The Rockets added five veterans to their young roster. But out of all the vets, Fred VanVleet has taken the helm as Houston's main leader.

"Fred has been great since day one," Udoka said. "Not only on the court but off the court as well. He's been a great mentor to all of these guys. IQ-wise, he is always pulling guys to the side to help them with their techniques and fundamentals. Those are the things that can go a long way for us."

During the four days the Rockets spent practicing at McNeese State University, VanVleet was seen talking and coaching players — whether on the sideline or during a dead ball.

VanVleet takes pride in being an extension of Udoka. His objective as an All-Star point guard is to share the knowledge that has helped him put together a successful seven seasons despite being an undrafted prospect in 2016.

VanVleet has taken an interest in helping Jalen Green, who has placed a hefty emphasis on winning in year three.

"I'm just sharing my experiences and things that I've done and seen from other great players that I've played with," VanVleet said. "I'm just here to assist. 

"The biggest thing is that he [Green] works really hard. He is hungry to win and be great. That's going to be a step-by-step process. But I am excited for him to play a more winning style of basketball."

Rockets are focused on winning and nothing else: Before the Rockets began to focus on the X's and O's, Udoka held a 30-minute film session during day one of training camp. He showed numbers and clips from the previous season to demonstrate their unpleasant performances. 

Udoka said the first three numbers he wrote on the board were 17, 20, and 22. Each number represented the wins the Rockets had each season since 2021.

The Rockets are aiming to improve in every aspect of their game under Udoka. But to begin phase II of their rebuilding project in a positive direction, Udoka and his staff spent each day of training camp rebuilding Houston's on-court philosophies from the ground up.

"We’re just trying to introduce everything," Udoka said. "We want to change the perception of us as a team and as an organization, and that starts with playing very hard every night. We have a lot of competitive guys, a lot of bodies, a lot of depth. They competed great."

Quick Hits: 

• Rockets' projected starting lineup: Fred VanVleet. Jalen Green. Dillon Brooks. Jabari Smith Jr. Alperen Sengun. 

• Despite being a late addition to the roster, Reggie Bullock will have a solid rotational spot within Udoka's line-up. 

• Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore were impressive during their first training camp with the Rockets. Both players said the time they spent in the off-season with their teammates made their adjustments easier.