Rockets VSL vs Nuggets VSL
Time: 5:30 PM CST
Watch: ESPN2
Where: Pavillion, Las Vegas, NV
Tonight the Houston Rockets begin their 2026 Las Vegas Summer League experience. Unlike last year, there is a draft pick playing, the somewhat controversial Bruce Thornton. Thornton was taken with the first pick in the second round. A trade with the New York Knicks made this possible, but don’t expect the Rockets to make a lot more 2nd round picks soon, as they currently don’t have any in upcoming seasons. On the other
hand, the Charlotte Hornets have 20 of the things, and they’re basically the fungible currency of trades in the NBA these days.
Thorton was drafted as a 22 year old senior out of Ohio State, though he had offers to play at other major programs, like Jabari Smith’s Auburn. He’s meant to be a polished three level scorer, and his physique, power and height are reminiscent of Jalen Brunson and Kyle Lowry. If anything like that outcome happens for Thornton, it’s a spectacular pick. Even if he’s simply a useful bench guard in heavy rotation, it’s a very good pick. If he sticks around on the bench, and stays in the NBA, it’s a good second round pick. If none of that happens, it’s a typical second round pick, just to set the bar for what to expect here.
The Rockets described Thornton as an analytics darling, and he should be ready to go in VSL, as a four year college player. As a scoring point guard, the sort of player that typically looks best in Summer League’s chaotic and unstructured action. Since the Rockets offense can also be described as chaotic and unstructured (when it’s not being predictable and easily defended) this is a good test.
The Rockets have another player or two that might make the roster on the squad for summer league. College senior Qudir Copeland signed with the Rockets as an undrafted free agent. He was expected to either be a late second round pick, or go undrafted. He might be a good pickup, as he has good size for a guard. He’s described as a good rebounder, he defend decently, has a decent handle, and is a high effort player. Copeland’s shooting is a real concern, in that he doesn’t shoot all that well, or that often. Sound like a perfect Rocket.
Anyhow, we’ll get to see a couple of new Rockets, or at least potential Rockets. Along with an old friend of TDS: Daishen Nix. He’s back. Again.
