The Houston Rockets host their annual open practice

The Houston Rockets hosted their “Lift Off” party at Toyota Center on Sunday morning. The event included an open practice that gave Rockets fans a first look at the 2024-25 roster.

In addition to training, Rockets fans were also able to attend games and get on the field with some of the players. The Rockets also debuted their exclusive collaboration with Los Angeles-based streetwear brand Warren Lotas.

Houston fans heard from Ime Udoka and Tari Eason before the event began. During the day we saw a 3-point contest between Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard, Jabari Smith Jr. and Cam Whitmore.

Of course, you can’t take too much away from open 3-point competition in practice, but this shows how much Whitmore has improved as a 3-point shooter in just one season. Sheppard struggled at times during the competition and finished third behind Smith.

Sheppard also showed off some dance moves during today’s event as he did a Tik Tok dance before landing a 3-pointer.

Rockets fans watched the team’s pregame routine, received autographs, and at the end of the event, the entire team threw mini basketballs into the crowd.

Ime Udoka also spoke to the media ahead of the event. He told the Rockets on SI about his plans for the rotation at the conclusion of the preseason.

The Rockets will play two games in three days, so it makes sense not to let your key players play for an extended period of time. When they finish the preseason, we’ll likely see the regular rotation play in short bursts, but not for the usual minutes. The Houston Rockets return to action on Tuesday as they host the New Orleans Pelicans.

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