Marcus Smart is the utility player the Rockets need

Sep 22, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard Marcus Smart (36) talks during media day at Hilton Americas hotel. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect When Fred VanVleet went down with a season-ending injury before the start of the Houston Rockets’ 2025 training camp, the Rockets looked for a backcourt player to step up and replace their on-court leader.The Rockets tried multiple players, including Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and even Aar