Rockets offseason recap and early season preview: Can Rockets contend in the West?
Can Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and others push Houston into the West's upper tier? We're looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season.
The Houston Rockets are looking to make some noise in the Western Conference this season, and it's easy to see why fans are excited. With the addition of Kevin Durant, a perennial MVP candidate, and Amen Thompson, a highly touted young talent, the Rockets have undoubtedly upgraded their roster. The question on everyone's mind is whether these moves will be enough to propel the team into the upper tier of the West.
The Western Conference has long been the more competitive of the two, with powerhouses like the Lakers, Warriors, and Nuggets consistently vying for championships. For the Rockets to contend, they'll need to find a way to overcome the likes of these teams, as well as others like the Clippers and Suns who are also looking to make a deep playoff run. The addition of Durant certainly gives them a boost, but it's not just about individual talent - it's about how the team gels and performs as a whole.
As we head into the 2026-27 season, all eyes will be on the Rockets to see if they can live up to the hype. Will Durant and Thompson form a dynamic duo, or will other teams find ways to shut them down? Can the Rockets' supporting cast, including players like Jalen Green and Alperen Şengün, step up and provide the necessary depth and defense to make a serious playoff push? We'll be keeping a close eye on the Rockets as the season gets underway, and you should too - this team has the potential to be a dark horse in the West.
Originally reported by espn.com. TourNews adds analysis for sports & fitness readers.