For years, Houston were a team full of exciting young talent searching for direction. The pieces were there, but the structure often wasn't. Now, early in the 2026-27 campaign, the Rockets look like a genuine contender in the Western Conference, combining youth, experience and one of the greatest scorers the game has ever seen. Their unbeaten 5-0 start is their best opening to a season since 2014-15, a sign that this team may finally be ready to take the next step.

The Importance of a True Point Guard

One of the biggest reasons behind Houston's improvement has been the return of Fred VanVleet. While he may no longer put up the spectacular numbers of his prime years, VanVleet remains exactly what every young contender needs, a floor general. His presence gives the Rockets organisation, structure and control. Instead of relying solely on raw talent and athleticism, Houston now have a veteran capable of dictating the tempo, settling the team during difficult stretches and ensuring everyone gets touches in the right situations.

That influence is particularly important for players such as Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün, who continue to develop into stars. VanVleet's leadership allows those players to focus on their strengths rather than carrying the burden of organising the entire offence. The Rockets suddenly look more balanced, more mature and far more difficult to defend.

The Perfect Blend of Youth and Experience

What makes Houston so intriguing is the blend of talent across the roster. Thompson continues to emerge as one of the NBA's most exciting two-way players, while Şengün has developed into one of the league's most gifted offensive centres. Jabari Smith Jr. continues to improve, and the depth additions of veterans such as Marcus Smart and Bogdan Bogdanović have added even more experience to the rotation.

Under Ime Udoka, the Rockets have also built a strong identity. They rebound relentlessly, defend aggressively and possess the type of physicality that traditionally translates well to playoff basketball. Houston led the NBA in rebounding percentage in each of the last two seasons, evidence of a team that consistently wins the effort battles. Those are qualities that championship contenders are built upon.

One More Opportunity for Kevin Durant

Of course, every discussion about Houston eventually returns to one man. Kevin Durant. At 38 years old, Durant should theoretically be slowing down. Instead, he continues to defy the normal rules of ageing in professional basketball. The numbers remain elite, the shooting remains effortless and his ability to take over games remains almost unmatched. Even now, few players in the league can generate efficient offence as consistently as Durant.

His influence on this Rockets team extends far beyond statistics. Durant provides something Houston previously lacked since the departure of James Harden: a proven superstar capable of carrying an offence in the biggest moments. When playoff basketball slows down and half-court possessions become increasingly valuable, having Kevin Durant on your side changes everything.

And perhaps that is what makes this Rockets project so fascinating. Durant's two championships with the Golden State Warriors will always be part of his legacy. Yet fair or unfair, many critics continue to attach an asterisk to those accomplishments because of the extraordinary team he joined. Since leaving Golden State, Durant has repeatedly pursued another championship that would belong entirely to him and his team.

The Rockets have youth, athleticism, depth, coaching and, crucially, a roster that complements Durant rather than depending entirely upon him. Unlike some of his previous stops, Houston does not need Durant to score 35 points every night. They need him to be Kevin Durant when it matters most.

A Team Worth Watching

It is still early in the season, and plenty of challenges lie ahead. The Western Conference remains brutally competitive, and Houston's playoff credentials still need to be proven after consecutive first-round exits. But the early signs are impossible to ignore.

The Rockets look organised. They look confident. They finally have a proper point guard organising the offence. Their young stars are maturing rapidly. And at the centre of it all stands Kevin Durant, still producing moments of genius nearly two decades into one of the greatest careers basketball has ever seen.

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