The Houston Rockets shook the NBA world on Monday when they announced their starting lineup for opening night. With Fred VanVleet sidelined for the season with a torn ACL, they decided to go all in with the tallest starting lineup in NBA history.
Houston’s head coach Ime Udoka told reporters that they will likely start Amen Thompson (6’7″), Kevin Durant (6’11”), Jabari Smith Jr. (6″11″), Alperen Sengun (6’11”) and Steven Adams (6’11”). In addition to elite height, all five players also possess a wingspan of at least 7’0″.
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Running a lineup that consists of two centers is becoming more and more common in the modern NBA. As players continue to become more skilled and versatile, a size advantage becomes more and more important. With a dynamic and explosive point guard in Thompson, the Rockets don’t have to worry about sacrificing playmaking in order to run such a lengthy squad.
Houston will start their season against one of the tallest teams in the league, the Oklahoma City Thunder, in what is shaping up to be an electric season opener.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
