The Houston Rockets are just under a month away from kicking off their 2026-27 season. The Rockets made some additions this offseason, including veteran point guard Marcus Smart, and will also be getting Fred VanVleet back after he missed the entire 2025-26 season due to an ACL injury.
The head of the snake remains Kevin Durant, who was recently asked what he thinks about head coach Ime Udoka's desire to decrease his minutes and workload this year.
“Why? … I'm better on the court. The team is better when I'm on the court,” said Durant, per Underdog NBA, via Oh No He Didn't on X, formerly Twitter.
Stamina and health have generally not been issues for Durant, although he did miss five of the six first-round games against the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs last season, with Houston losing that series in ugly fashion.
Article Continues BelowWhile Durant is not the same player that he was in his prime with the Golden State Warriors, he remains a lethal three-level scorer who can get any shot he wants in the halfcourt and bail the team out when the offense breaks down.
Heading into Year 2 with Houston, Durant will look to establish better synergy with Alperen Sengun and newly re-signed wing Amen Thompson as the Rockets look to keep up with the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs.
It remains to be seen whether or not Udoka will heed Durant's advice and keep him on the court as much as possible this year.
The Rockets are slated to kick off their new season on October 21 with a home game against the Dallas Mavericks.