Houston Rockets legend Ralph Sampson believes Kevin Durant's skill set could allow the future Hall of Famer to continue playing deep into his career as Houston prepares for another championship push in 2026-27.
Speaking to Kyle Odegard of Action Network, Sampson explained why he believes Durant remains capable of playing at a high level despite recently turning 38.
“Kevin Durant, I love him to death. He can play in today's game for a whole lot more years as long as he stays healthy. He's a Hall of Fame player. I love the way he plays, and I love to go see him play. He can play for as long as he wants.”
Durant's production during his first season with Houston supported Sampson's assessment. The 16-time All-Star averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 78 games during the 2025-26 regular season while shooting 52.0% from the field, 41.3% from 3-point range and 87.4% from the free-throw line. He earned All-NBA Second Team honors, marking the 12th All-NBA selection of his career.
Durant will enter his 20th NBA season in 2026-27 after completing his 19th last year. The Rockets star turned 38 on Sept. 29 but has continued producing efficiently nearly two decades after the Seattle SuperSonics selected him with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft.
Ralph Sampson explains why Kevin Durant’s shooting keeps extending his career
Sampson pointed specifically to Durant's shooting ability when discussing why his game has translated so well as he has gotten older.
“He's had that (shooting ability) for life. The game has evolved, and its style fits him.”
Durant's efficiency has remained remarkably consistent. He has averaged at least 25 points while shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3-point range in each of the past four seasons, something no other player has accomplished more than three times in an entire career.
Article Continues BelowHouston will hope that longevity translates into a deeper postseason run after finishing 52-30 last season before losing its first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.
Sampson, however, identified health as the primary factor that could determine the Rockets' championship hopes.
“We'll see if they get healthy. If they do, I think they can compete, but you've got to be healthy.”
With Durant remaining productive entering Year 20, Sampson believes the Rockets have a star capable of extending his career considerably longer if his health cooperates.