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Kevin Durant could elevate Houston Rockets ahead of new NBA season

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 23, 2026, 6:15 AM

Last updated Sep 23, 2026

Kevin Durant could elevate Houston Rockets ahead of new NBA season

Summary

Imam Shumpert believes the Houston Rockets can improve significantly this season with Kevin Durant and the return of Fred VanVleet. The Rockets won 52 games last season but were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Lakers. VanVleet's previous season-ending injury left the Rockets without a traditional point guard, affecting their offensive strategies. As the Rockets prepare for the upcoming season, expectations are high for the chemistry and performance between Durant and VanVleet, who have yet to play together in an official game.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Rockets finished fifth in the West last season
•Durant and VanVleet have not played together yet
•Shumpert highlights VanVleet as a crucial missing piece
•High expectations for Rockets' performance this season
•VanVleet's injury impacted team dynamics last year

Latest Updates

6:15 AMYahoo Sports — Kevin Durant has the missing piece to take Houston Rockets leap this season, says Imam Shumpert

What they're saying

"
The Houston Rockets won 52 games last season, but Imam Shumpert believes there is still a leap in them and Kevin Durant, courtesy of a missing piece. Kevin Durant could only lead the Houston Rockets to 5th in the West last season, before getting bounced out by the Lakers in six games in Round 1.
— Yahoo Sports

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Houston Rockets Los Angeles Lakers Toronto Raptors NBA Basketball