4 of 6 in 3 games, the Rockets upgraded the core three-pointer of the team, withdrew guards and played center, and activated Sheppard with one move

The Rockets won three consecutive victories in the preseason. Although the opponent's strength was average, the team's changes have made a qualitative leap. Udoka is no longer a starter and plays to the end. VanVleet's injury is actually a blessing in disguise for the team. With the rotation of the lineup and the variety of tactics, Durant played very comfortably and did not need to integrate at all. Shen Jing became a point guard and had the most assists on the team in each of the three games. The most surprising thing among them is not Jabari Smith who made 4 of 6 three-pointers, but Amen Thompson.

In the third season of his career, Amen Thompson is already the top defensive player in the NBA. He is only one step away from becoming an All-Star and a star with a stable shot. In three preseason games, he made a total of 4 of 6 three-pointers, maintaining a high shooting percentage. As the core of the team, his three-pointers have been upgraded to a higher level. In the first season of his career, Amen Thompson shot 18% from three-point range, and in his second year he shot 27.5%, below the average for the same position, and could only counterattack with air cuts. Against the Pelicans, Amen scored 21 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists.

Amen Thompson is the player who determines the upper limit of the Rockets. The stronger the ability, the heavier the responsibility. He not only has to shoulder the task of opposing stars on the defensive end, but also often defends inside. When Shen Jing is not on the court, Amen has to be responsible for organizing the offense. He has the potential to become an all-around player, and Uduka has great trust in him. In the three preseason games, he not only has more possession of the ball, but also makes very decisive shots from outside the three-point line. He already has the ability to become a star and has a promising future.

The Rockets' twin-tower tactic first appeared in the playoffs last season. In order to deal with the Warriors, Udoka chose to boldly try it, and the effect was very good. It has also been used for a long time in this preseason. In the game against the Pelicans, the Rockets directly arranged the starting lineup of Adams + Shen Jing. The team's five main players are all over two meters tall. The shortest is Amen Thompson. Durant plays the second position and Smith plays the small forward position. This move activates the two substitute generals.

Sheppard has become the biggest beneficiary. In the first two games of the start, we can see his progress, but there is still a long way to go before he becomes a qualified starting number one position. Uduka chose to remove the guard and play center, allowing Shepard to serve as the sixth man on the bench against the opponent. In this game, he played 18 minutes, made 3 of 6 three-pointers, scored 13 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists, and his efficiency was further improved. Many times with the Rockets' current lineup, they can even start without a legitimate point guard.

In addition to Shepard, Ethan broke out and scored 20 points. The Rockets substituted Gemini, who was barely a starter. As a substitute, he had more than enough to use his strengths and avoid weaknesses. The Rockets recruited five major lineups and activated Shepard + Ethan. Before the start of the new season, the team's lineup was relatively stable and it was unlikely that they would continue to sign players or complete transactions. Based on the performance of the regular season, corresponding reinforcements can be considered in the middle of the season. Without VanVleet, the Rockets' tactical play has changed from fast to high.