Durant Enters Second Rockets Season as Offensive Hub with VanVleet Back

Kevin Durant led Houston's attack in his first year, and Fred VanVleet's return from injury could ease his ballhandling load and cut down turnovers.

Kevin Durant delivered in his first campaign with the Houston Rockets, posting 26 points per game on highly efficient shooting, mostly from the midrange, after arriving via trade. He added 4.8 assists per game while drawing heavy defensive attention, and Houston's offense was 3.4 points per 100 possessions stronger with him on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass. He earned second-team All-NBA honors and placed 14th leaguewide in the DARKO metric.

There were drawbacks. Houston's defense gave up 4.1 more points per 100 possessions with Durant playing, and his true shooting percentage fell to 46.9 percent, his first mark below 55 since 2016-17. His efficiency running off screens dropped to the 29th percentile after four straight seasons between the 78th and 95th. Though he stayed healthy through the regular season, knee and ankle injuries limited him to one of six playoff games. He also committed more turnovers while serving as a primary ballhandler with Fred VanVleet sidelined all year.

VanVleet's return is expected to relieve some of that burden. Regarded as one of the NBA's best at limiting team turnovers, he could help Houston reduce the league's third-highest turnover rate and free Durant from the traps and double teams that hurt the Rockets late in games. His presence as an additional scoring threat may also divert some defensive focus away from Durant.

The fit may take time. VanVleet, 32, is returning from an ACL tear, and the two have never shared the floor together. Durant enters 2026-27 as Houston's best player and offensive hub, locked in as a starting forward and likely the team's leading shot-taker.