Magic Johnson labels Kevin Durant-led Rockets as West contenders
Kevin Durant is entering his second season in Houston after a first-round exit last spring, one that fell well short of the expectations that came with trading for a future Hall of Famer.
This week, Lakers legend Magic Johnson shared his honest thoughts on where the Rockets stand heading into the new season — and his take highlights just how tough the Western Conference has become.
Magic Johnson gives his honest take on the Rockets’ outlook
Johnson shared his season outlook on Monday, breaking down both conferences and giving a clear view of where he sees the Rockets fitting in the loaded Western Conference.
“In the West, we know the Spurs and Thunder are favored, with the Nuggets, Timberwolves, Lakers and Rockets all strong teams right behind them,” Johnson wrote.
The NBA HOF believes the Kevin Durant-led Rockets are serious contenders in the West with Fred VanVleet set to return to the lineup.
“The Rockets will definitely be dangerous because Fred VanVleet is coming back after missing last season with an injury,” he added.
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VanVleet tore his ACL last September and has not played in a regular season game in more than a year, a stretch that coincided directly with Houston’s disappointing finish to the season. His return gives coach Ime Udoka a proven, championship-tested point guard to pair with Durant and center Alperen Sengun.
Durant averaged 26 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists across 78 games in his first season with the Rockets, who finished 52-30 and claimed the fifth seed in the West before losing in six games to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs. Center Steven Adams is also expected back this season after missing extended time of his own.
How Houston’s roster looks dangerous again this season
Houston strengthened its bench by adding veterans Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic, giving more depth to a core featuring Durant, Alperen Şengün and a healthy Fred VanVleet. The Rockets have been among the teams focused on adding depth pieces this summer and appear more thoroughly changed than most of their neighbours.
The rest of the West also reshaped itself around Houston this summer. The Warriors and other West contenders reacted to the offseason’s biggest moves, showing just how unsettled the conference picture still is heading into camp.
Houston will open training camp with a roster many believe is built to push for a top-four seed in one of the toughest Western Conferences in years. Whether that translates into more playoff success than last season remains the biggest question hanging over the franchise heading into 2026-27.
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- LeBron James told to free himself from ‘ego’ before it’s too late
- Kevin Durant has blunt response to LeBron James ‘ring chaser’ critics
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