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Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook Rockets reunion gets surprising endorsement
Kevin Durant-Russell Westbrook Rockets reunion gets surprising endorsement originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The Houston Rockets have one of the strongest teams in the NBA as they prepare for the new season. However, there are still questions about the point guard position. Fred VanVleet is expected to come back from a torn ACL, but how much he plays could be a big topic. Former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson thinks Houston already has a solution.
Joe Johnson believes Russell Westbrook gives Rockets needed insurance
Johnson said he is open to signing Russell Westbrook, even though Westbrook is later in his career. He believes this decision is mainly about protecting the Rockets at a position that carries injury risk, rather than reuniting Westbrook with Kevin Durant.
Johnson encouraged the Houston Rockets to consider signing free agent Russell Westbrook. He believes Westbrook can provide low-risk depth as he gets older.
"I'm taking that gamble," Johnson said before pointing to VanVleet's recovery from ACL surgery.
Joe Johnson says if he’s the Houston Rockets I’m taking that gamble on Russel Westbrook teaming back up with Kevin Durant: “I’m taking that gamble because look, think about this. Even if Fred VanVleet, I’m sure he will start the season, but damn, he just come off of ACL surgery.… https://t.co/iy2lhYqOAe pic.twitter.com/Y0OzZLORmr
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) August 2, 2026 Johnson questioned whether Houston should expect VanVleet to handle a full regular season after missing last year with a serious knee injury. He argued that asking too much too soon could also affect the veteran guard's effectiveness once the playoffs begin.
Instead, Johnson believes the Rockets need another experienced playmaker behind VanVleet.
"You got to have some depth at that point guard position," Johnson said. He added that Houston needs "guys who know how to play" and can "make the game easy for guys around" them.
Westbrook would also reunite with Durant for the first time since their Oklahoma City Thunder days. The two spent eight seasons together, reached the 2012 NBA Finals and helped establish one of the league's most successful partnerships before Durant left in free agency in 2016.
Johnson also believes Westbrook's conditioning remains one of his biggest strengths despite his age.
"When you look at him because he up in age, he always in great damn shape," Johnson said.
Houston has enough talent to compete in the Western Conference. Johnson's comments suggest adding Westbrook would not be about replacing VanVleet. It would be about giving the Rockets another proven point guard while managing VanVleet's return from a major injury.
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Steph Curry and Warriors reportedly eyeing a familiar face after failed LeBron James’ pursuit
Mavericks deal major setback to rivals in firm Kyrie Irving trade decision
Kevin DurantRussell Westbrook RocketsJoe JohnsonRussell WestbrookRocketsFred VanVleetThe Sporting NewsAdd The Sporting NewsPreferred SourceThe Houston RocketsNBAHowever
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