# Rockets Media Day | Fred VanVleet's RETURN, Kevin Durant's USAGE, Alperen Sengun's SHOOTING & More

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535/rockets-media-day-fred-vanvleet-s-return-kevin-durant-s-usage-alperen-sengun-s-shooting-more
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535/rockets-media-day-fred-vanvleet-s-return-kevin-durant-s-usage-alperen-sengun-s-shooting-more.md
Podcast: [Locked On Rockets - Daily Podcast On The Houston Rockets](https://stenobird.com/podcast/main-feed-579535)
Published: 2026-09-23T13:28:00+00:00
Episode link: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-rockets/
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/pdrl.fm/2be01f/lockedon.simplecastaudio.com/0484f71b-0bf5-4ae7-bab2-a023f0bde1b8/episodes/25c411a3-633a-46ee-be76-20b4ea5eae59/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=0484f71b-0bf5-4ae7-bab2-a023f0bde1b8&awEpisodeId=25c411a3-633a-46ee-be76-20b4ea5eae59&feed=VdVZRUNt
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/main-feed-579535/episodes/rockets-media-day-fred-vanvleet-s-return-kevin-durant-s-usage-alperen-sengun-s-shooting-more
Duration seconds: 2030

## Resource

Houston Rockets reset expectations with Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams back in action—can this revamped roster finally solve its half-court woes and take the next step in the Western Conference? Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) unpacks the biggest takeaways from Houston Rockets Media Day 2026, spotlighting the ripple effect of VanVleet’s return, Marcus Smart’s arrival, and Clint Capela’s renewed agility as a lob threat. Key topics include Ime Udoka’s push for faster pace, lineup questions with back-to-backs on the horizon, and the high hopes placed on Chip Engelland to unlock Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun’s shooting. Listeners get behind-the-scenes insights: Kevin Durant’s response to minutes concerns, hilarious moments from Steven Adams, and the untold impact of contract security for Tari Eason. Can Reed Sheppard seize his opportunity as point guard of the future? Engaging, insightful, and full of locker room energy, this episode sets the tone for a pivotal Rockets season.

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## Transcript

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