Texas Legends Enter 2026–27 With New Faces and Unfinished Business
Updated: 4 hours ago
Jeremy Sochan headlines a reworked roster as Texas looks to turn individual potential into collective success.
Frisco, Texas — The Texas Legends roster has no shortage of motivation. NBA veterans are pursuing another opportunity, young players are working to establish themselves, and a new head coach is tasked with bringing those ambitions together.
Texas enters the 2026–27 season under Nate Mitchell with a group headlined by Jeremy Sochan and two-way players Walter Clayton Jr., Jett Howard, and Tobi Lawal. Returning forward Matt Cross provides continuity as the Legends build chemistry around a largely new core.
The pieces offer an intriguing combination of scoring, size, and experience. Whether they fit together will determine how competitive Texas becomes.
Jeremy Sochan brings experience—and expectations
Sochan gives the Legends an established NBA résumé. The first overall selection in the 2026 G League Draft averaged 9.9 points and 5.4 rebounds across 228 NBA appearances before arriving in Texas.
That background makes him a natural candidate for a prominent role. His ability to rebound, operate around the basket, and connect possessions could help stabilize an offense still finding its rhythm.
With regular minutes, Sochan projects as one of Texas’ leading scorers and rebounders. His most meaningful progress would come through efficient offensive decisions and dependable defensive performances. For a player seeking another NBA opportunity, consistent impact will matter more than occasional big scoring nights.
Jett Howard has room to expand his game
Howard arrives after averaging 5.5 points in 55 games for Orlando last season, shooting 37.2 percent from three-point range. That perimeter touch gives Texas a valuable starting point as it constructs its offense.
A larger role could position Howard among the Legends’ top scoring options when available. His shooting should help open the floor for teammates, particularly when Sochan or Lawal occupies defenders near the basket.
The next step is becoming effective when opponents take away his first option. Attacking closeouts, making quick passes, and finishing possessions defensively would strengthen his case for greater responsibility. Expect scoring opportunities; the question is how complete a performance he can build around them.
Walter Clayton Jr. could set the tempo
Clayton brings experience delivering under pressure. He averaged 18.3 points during Florida’s 2024–25 national championship season, scoring 30 against Texas Tech in the Elite Eight and 34 against Auburn in the Final Four.
He followed that with averages of 7.8 points and 4.0 assists during the 2025–26 NBA season.
For Texas, his projected role centers on balancing scoring with organization. Clayton can help determine when the Legends attack early and when they work deeper into a possession.
He should be a leading offensive creator when he arrives. His ability to limit wasted possessions and generate quality chances for others could be especially important as a new rotation develops familiarity.
Tobi Lawal offers a foundation inside
Lawal’s final season at Virginia Tech provides a useful picture of what he can contribute. He averaged 12.3 points and 8.5 rebounds, shot 54 percent from the field, and recorded six double-doubles.
Rebounding and finishing offer his clearest path to an immediate role. He can complement Texas’ perimeter players through cuts, second-chance opportunities, and rim activity without needing a heavy share of offensive touches.
Lawal projects as a potential rebounding leader. Adjusting to professional size and defensive spacing will shape his early progress, but his college production gives the Legends reason to expect useful contributions while his offensive game develops.
What should fans expect?
Texas has the personnel to create a balanced offense, but its ceiling will depend on defense, depth, and availability. With Clayton, Howard, and Lawal on two-way contracts, Mitchell must also prepare for rotation changes.
A playoff push is a reasonable ambition if the Legends defend consistently and produce reliably beyond their featured players. Early growing pains would be understandable; sustained improvement should be the expectation.
For fans, the draw is a roster with consequential seasons ahead. The Legends have recognizable talent and several paths to improvement. Turning those advantages into dependable team basketball will define their year.
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