The Projected Starting Lineup: A Hardwood-Heavy Five
The Rockets are definitely making some noise, especially with the recent Kevin Durant trade, and it seems like they’re going to be a fierce team to face this year. The potential starting lineup—Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun—looks tougher than a knotty Hickory plank. So, let’s see how each of these starters matches up with a hardwood that’s available at our Houston lumber yard and how it fits their game:
Fred VanVleet: Hard Maple
Fred VanVleet (5.6 assists per game) is the Hard Maple of the squad—tough, reliable, and built to last, like the flooring in a gym that’s seen countless dribbles. This wood holds up under pressure, just like VanVleet stays composed while running the offense against swarming defenders. At Houston Hardwoods, Hard Maple’s durability makes it a top pick, and VanVleet’s the steady hand guiding this team.
- Lumber Tip: Hard Maple is ideal for cutting boards, workbenches, and furniture that takes daily wear and tear.
Amen Thompson: Zebrawood
Amen Thompson (14.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG) is a high-flying, two-way force, so he’s Zebrawood. Its bold, stripy grain turns heads, much like Thompson’s rim-rattling dunks and defensive hustle. This hardwood’s flair matches Thompson’s knack for stealing the show in H-Town.
- Lumber Tip: Zebrawood’s exotic look makes it a standout for accent pieces, inlays, and statement furniture.
Kevin Durant: Walnut
The headline-grabber: Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star, two-time NBA Champion (2017, 2018), and three-time Olympic gold medalist (2012, 2016, 2020), landed in Houston via a trade with the Suns. The Rockets sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick, and a bundle of second-rounders for this scoring maestro (26.6 PPG, 49.7% on jumpers). Has Houston ever landed a bigger trade? The 2012 James Harden deal was close, but Durant’s 2014 MVP and silky game are like finding a rare gem in a lumberyard. He’s Walnut—highly workable, bending defenses like a craftsman shapes a fine table. Walnut’s smooth, glossy finish mirrors Durant’s clutch shots, making it the perfect fit for a superstar boosting the Rockets’ title dreams. Houston Hardwoods salutes this premium choice!
- Lumber Tip: Walnut is a premium choice for high-end furniture, cabinets, and heirloom-quality projects. It finishes beautifully.
Jabari Smith Jr.: Quarter Sawn White Oak
Jabari Smith Jr., the 3-and-D cornerstone, is Quarter Sawn White Oak. Its tight grain and stability make it ideal for high-end furniture, just like Smith’s steady defense and improving jumper anchor the lineup. This hardwood’s quiet strength matches his subtle but impactful play.
- Lumber Tip: Quarter Sawn White Oak is perfect for cabinetry, table legs, and mission-style furniture where stability matters.
Alperen Sengun: Pecan Hickory
Sengun, the 2025 All-Star big man, rules the paint with power and finesse, earning him Pecan Hickory status. This hardwood’s tough enough to withstand heavy use, perfect for a center who battles for rebounds and drops clever post moves like he’s carving a masterpiece. Sengun’s game is as rich as Hickory’s warm grain.
- Lumber Tip: Pecan Hickory is excellent for tool handles, rustic furniture, and projects that need strength and character.
The Bench: A Ton of Depth and Character
The Rockets’ bench is about as deep as our Houston lumber yard, with each player bringing a unique hardwood or exotic wood vibe:
Aaron Holiday: Birch
Holiday’s quick, reliable play off the bench is Birch—light, strong, and versatile. Its smooth grain is great for detailed work, like Holiday’s slick handles and hustle that leave opponents tripping over their own feet. This wood’s adaptability makes it a craftsman’s favorite, just like Holiday’s knack for fitting into any lineup. Birch’s understated charm ensures it shines in any project, much like Holiday’s spark in limited minutes.
- Lumber Tip: Birch works well for drawer sides, jigs, shelving, and any application where a smooth surface and light tone are desired.
Reed Sheppard: Birdseye Maple
Rookie sharpshooter Reed Sheppard is Birdseye Maple, with its swirly, eye-catching grain that’s like a 30-foot three-pointer in wood form. This rare hardwood matches Sheppard’s flair for long-range shots that leave defenders dazed. Its unique pattern promises standout projects, and Sheppard’s poised to be a fan favorite in Houston. Birdseye’s rarity makes it a treasure, just like Sheppard’s potential to light up the scoreboard.
- Lumber Tip: Birdseye Maple is highly prized for cabinetry, musical instruments, and decorative panels.
Dorian Finney-Smith: Ipe / Brazilian Walnut
Finney-Smith (8.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG), a free-agency addition, brings grit and shooting, so he’s Ipe. This hardwood’s tough enough for outdoor decks, shrugging off weather like Finney-Smith handles bigger wings while sinking threes from way outside. Houston Hardwoods loves Ipe’s resilience, and DFS’s toughness is a perfect match for clutch moments. Ipe’s strength ensures it stands firm, just like Finney-Smith’s defense in a tight game.
- Lumber Tip: Ipe is extremely dense and rot-resistant—perfect for outdoor furniture, heavy-duty benches, and structural applications.
Jae’Sean Tate: Aromatic Cedar
Tate, on a one-year, $3M deal, is a defensive bulldog, making him Aromatic Cedar. Its natural oils repel pests, just like Tate’s tenacious D sends opponents running. His hustle adds a fresh spark to the bench, much like Cedar’s pleasant scent lifts any workshop. This wood’s durability makes it a reliable choice, just like Tate’s relentless energy on the court.
- Lumber Tip: Aromatic Cedar is commonly used for closet linings, chests, and decorative interiors. Its scent naturally repels pests.
Cam Whitmore: Purple Heart
Cam Whitmore’s explosive dunks are as bold as Purple Heart, a hardwood so vibrant it could star in a parade. Its striking color matches Whitmore’s highlight-reel slams, though he’ll need to fight for minutes to glow as bright as this wood. This hardwood’s boldness promises show-stopping results, just like Whitmore’s potential. Purple Heart’s unique hue always draws eyes, much like Whitmore’s flair for the spectacular.
- Lumber Tip: Purple Heart is great for bold inlays, trim, or furniture accents. It darkens with age and polishes well.
Tari Eason: Jatoba
Eason’s high-energy hustle and defensive chaos are Jatoba, a reddish-brown hardwood tougher than a bad call. Its durability reflects Eason’s knack for crashing boards and disrupting plays like a runaway saw. This wood’s strength makes it a go-to for heavy-duty builds, and Eason’s motor never quits. Jatoba’s warm tone adds character, just like Eason’s relentless spark off the bench.
- Lumber Tip: Jatoba, also known as Brazilian Cherry, is very hard and great for workbenches, stair parts, and tough joinery.
Jeff Green: Teak
Veteran Jeff Green is Teak, the wise hardwood that weathers any storm. Its golden hue and longevity make it a favorite for enduring projects, and Green’s experience keeps the Rockets steady in crunch time. Teak’s timeless quality ensures it shines, just like Green’s veteran savvy. This wood’s resilience makes it a classic, much like Green’s steady hand in big moments.
- Lumber Tip: Teak is excellent for outdoor furniture, cutting surfaces, and water-resistant builds thanks to its natural oils.
David Roddy: Cocobolo
Roddy’s raw athleticism is Cocobolo, a vibrant, richly colored hardwood with a bold mix of reds, oranges, and browns that screams potential. Roddy’s got big upside, and like Cocobolo, he’s ready to make waves in Houston’s rotation. This hardwood’s striking beauty makes it a standout, much like Roddy’s flashes of brilliance. Cocobolo’s unique vibrancy promises eye-catching results, just like Roddy’s potential to dazzle on the court.
- Lumber Tip: Cocobolo is a prized exotic wood often used for knife handles, gun grips, and small specialty projects due to its striking color.
Clint Capela: Plain Sawn Red Oak
Capela, back in Houston on a three-year, $21.5M deal, is Plain Sawn Red Oak. This classic, sturdy hardwood is built for heavy-duty jobs, like Capela’s rebounding (8.5 RPG) and rim protection that anchor the paint. Its reliability makes it a staple, just like Capela’s presence in the post. Red Oak’s warm grain adds a touch of class, much like Capela’s steady contributions.
- Lumber Tip: Red Oak is a versatile domestic hardwood often used in cabinetry, tables, and general-purpose woodworking.
Steven Adams: Gabon Ebony
Steven Adams, the human tank, is Gabon Ebony—dense, and practically indestructible. This hardwood could survive a meteor strike, just like Adams powers through screens and dominates the glass. Houston Hardwoods bets on Ebony’s strength, and Adams is a force to be reckoned with. Its sleek finish exudes power, just like Adams’ commanding presence in the paint. We have no doubt that Adams will continue to bring the lumber in Houston next season.
- Lumber Tip: Gabon Ebony is incredibly dense and ideal for fine woodworking, instrument fretboards, and luxurious small pieces.
Durant’s Impact: A Game-Changer for Houston
Durant’s trade is like finding a rare Honduran Rosewood in a pile of big box store lumber. The Rockets, fresh off a 52-30 season and a second-place finish in the West, are now title contenders with KD’s scoring prowess (45.6% on catch-and-shoot threes). His arrival addresses Houston’s half-court offensive struggles, exposed in their playoff loss to Golden State. Coach Ime Udoka’s defensive system, paired with Durant’s offensive magic, makes this squad as balanced as a perfectly planed board. The cost, a hefty $54.7M contract and a potential $122M extension, is steep, but for a talent like Durant, it’s like investing in premium hardwood in Houston. Historically, the Rockets have made bold moves, like drafting Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984 or trading for James Harden in 2012. Durant’s deal tops them all, pairing a Hall of Famer with a young core of Sengun, Thompson, and Smith Jr. It’s a recipe for a championship, or at least a really nice dining table.
The Hardwood of Hoops: Why Maple Rules the Court
And as we near wrapping it up, we’ve discussed the players but not the hardwood court itself. Ever wonder what gives NBA courts their iconic shine? Most basketball courts, including the Rockets’ home floor at Toyota Center, are made from Hard Maple, the gold standard of hardwood in Houston. Its dense, tight grain can handle the relentless pounding of sneakers, pivots, and the occasional dramatic flop. Hard Maple’s light color reflects arena lights beautifully, highlighting every crossover and dunk in crisp detail. Its durability ensures it can endure an 82-game season, much like the Rockets’ grit under Coach Ime Udoka. At Houston Hardwoods, we’re proud to offer Hard Maple for projects that demand toughness and style—perfect for a team chasing a title on their maple stage.
H-Town’s Hardwood Heroes: A Perfect Match
At Houston Hardwoods, we’re thrilled about the Rockets’ roster, a team as diverse and dynamic as our premium lumber selection. From VanVleet’s Hard Maple reliability to Adams’ Gabon Ebony toughness, each player brings a unique quality to the court, much like the distinct grains of our finest hardwoods. Just as we help customers craft stunning pieces with some of the best hardwood in Houston, the Rockets are building a championship contender with stars like Durant and Sengun. Stop by Houston Hardwoods to explore our premium lumber or contact us to find lumber that matches this team’s elite talent, and join us in for pulling the Rockets to bring home a championship!