2025-26 training camp: Rockets to open with September 29 media day
In what could be an introductory press conference of sorts for Kevin Durant, the Houston Rockets are expected to host their 2025-26 media day on Monday, September 29. The dates are publicly available on the NBA's website.
Coincidentally, that September 29 date will be Durant's 37th birthday.
Training camp will likely open the following day, September 30, with the preseason opener scheduled for a week later on October 6. Opening night for the Rockets could come as soon as October 21, with complete regular-season schedules to be released by the league office later this month.
Because Durant was acquired in July and the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) does not mandate media availabilities in the offseason, the 15-time All-Star has yet to speak with reporters in Houston.
While it's still possible that a press conference could occur earlier, nothing has been scheduled, and NBA personnel often spend the weeks immediately prior to camp traveling or spending time with their inner circle — i.e. family or close friends that they can't see as often during the season. In many cases, this requires traveling out of market.
In a recent interview, Rockets veteran Dorian Finney-Smith referenced an unofficial team mini-camp being held in September, which could further tighten this year's schedule.
Media day consists of interviews with each NBA team's key players, coaches, and executives, who are asked to share perspectives about the season ahead. Because Durant's media day interview will undoubtedly consist of questions about his new team in Houston, that might be another incentive for him to wait — since he will likely be addressing the same types of topics, regardless of whether he does an earlier event.
After previous superstar acquisitions, such as Dwight Howard in the 2013 offseason and Chris Paul in 2017, the Rockets held offseason events featuring both a press conference with reporters and an opportunity for the player to directly engage with the fan base.
It's a safe assumption that the team would have loved to capitalize on the Durant buzz with a similar engagement event, but the team cannot mandate his appearance in a period without games. It comes down to the player's availability, and there haven't been many indications of Durant physically being in Houston this offseason.
The Rockets have yet to announce locations or times for media day or training camp. Last season, media day took place inside the team's home arena of Toyota Center, while training camp was held at the team's newly constructed practice complex in Houston.
More: Will Kevin Durant debut at home? Rockets announce 2025 preseason schedule
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