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Houston Rockets Kevin Durant era
Overview
The Houston Rockets are entering the 2026-27 NBA season centered on veteran star Kevin Durant, who is beginning his 20th professional season. Following a 52-win campaign where Durant earned All-NBA Second Team honors by averaging 26 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists, the team aims to advance deeper into the playoffs.
During media day, a disagreement emerged regarding Durant’s workload management. Head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone expressed intentions to manage the 37-year-old’s minutes to protect his health, noting he averaged 36.4 minutes per game last season. Durant pushed back against a reduction based solely on age, stating, “I’m better on the court. The team is better when I’m on the court.” He indicated a willingness to sit during significant leads but rejects age-based restrictions. Durant noted he is taking his career “a day at a time” and is not considering retirement.
Under Udoka, the Rockets have established a strong defensive identity with a roster featuring Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, and Jabari Smith Jr., supported by additions Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanovic. The team also expects the return of Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams from previous injuries. Udoka stated the goal is to “make some real noise” rather than just reaching the first round.
Looking toward the future, Durant will hold a player option for the 2027-28 season, allowing him to either accept a $46.1 million salary in Houston or become an unrestricted free agent.
Entities
Kevin Durant · Houston Rockets · Ime Udoka · NBA · Alperen Şengün
Timeline
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[SPORTS] 14 sourcesHouston Rockets aim for deeper playoff run following media day
At the Houston Rockets' media day, coach Ime Udoka and Kevin Durant set ambitious goals for the season, while Durant pushed back against potential plans to reduce his playing minutes for health reasons.
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[SPORTS] 3 sourcesKevin Durant enters 20th NBA season with Houston Rockets
Kevin Durant enters his 20th NBA season with the Houston Rockets, averaging 26 points last year. His future remains a topic of speculation as he approaches a player option in 2027.
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[SPORTS] 2 sourcesHouston Rockets prepare for second Kevin Durant season amid NBA debates
The Houston Rockets prepare for a second season with Kevin Durant following injury-plagued struggles, while Iman Shumpert sparks debate over Durant’s impact on the NBA landscape.
Sources
abc13.com · bleacherreport.com · blogdebasket.com · essentiallysports.com · eurohoops.net · heavy.com · hoopswire.com · hoylosangeles.com · nbapassion.com · noticiasdemalaga.es · pasoapaso.com.do · si.com · sportsv.net · thedreamshake.com · thesource.com · timesng.com · trashtalk.co
This summary has been updated 3 times: see revision history