Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) dribbles against Sacramento Kings guard Russell Westbrook (18) during the fourth quarter at Golden 1 Center.
Justine Willard-Imagn Images
Former NBA All-Star Joe Johnson would love to see veteran Russell Westbrook reunite with Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets. As Durant and the Rockets will look to build off of their first-round playoff exit in 2026-27, Johnson thinks Westbrook would be an ideal fit alongside Fred VanVleet, who is coming off a year-long ACL surgery recovery.
Johnson discussed how Westbrook playing alongside Durant would be beneficial to the Rockets' upcoming season, per Shannon Sharpe's Nightcap.
“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,” Johnson said. “Y’all going to run him in the ground for 82 game. And what he going to be able to get you in the postseason? Nothing. So, you got to have some depth at that point guard position. Guys who know how to play, guys who know and understand the game and who can make the game easy for guys around him.
“So, I always think, bro, and when you look at him because he up in age, he always in great damn shape. And for me, y’all know me, bro. I’m a guy who loves a guy in great shape. You’re in great shape. You can play with me any day.”
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
Entering the league as teammates from the 2008 NBA Draft class, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook spent the first three seasons of their career playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they both made their first NBA Finals apperance in 2012. The Thunder lost the Finals' best-of-7 series to the Miami Heat, 4-1.
The Rockets signed veteran guard Marcus Smart earlier this summer to add to their backcourt, led by VanVleet's impending return. Still, Johnson believes adding Westbrook could only improve the Rockets' chances of competing for a title in 2027. Westbrook averaged 15.2 points on 42.7% shooting, 6.7 assists, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game for the Sacramento Kings last season.
Westbrook played for the Rockets in 2019-20.