The Houston Rockets are fairly close to being able to get on the same level as the top Western Conference contenders, however, the Rockets do need a few players to take a step forward in 2026 to truly elevate this team.

With that said, here are three bold takes for the Rockets as they head into the 2026 season.

The first bold take on this list is that forward Kevin Durant will finish top five in MVP voting in 2026.

Following the 2025 season, it is very clear that Durant still has the ability to take over a game as a scorer after averaging 26 points on 52 percent from the field, 41.3 percent from three-point range, and 87.4 percent from the free-throw line.

If Durant is to get close to winning MVP, he may need to elevate that scoring by another point or so, and after his efficiency last year, I believe he can do so, especially with point guard Fred VanVleet expected back in the lineup, which should help Durant get easier looks.

Without a doubt, Durant has been one of the best scorers in the NBA for most of his career, and if he can get close to his peak, he has the ability to be one of the scorers in the NBA, which could go a long way in helping him to compete for his second career MVP award.

The next takeaway is that the Rockets will finish with 60 plus win during the 2026 season which may seem bold, but I do think it is possible.

Last season, the Rockets were without VanVleet for the entire season, which was a huge blow, and they really needed him to help facilitate the offense. However, VanVleet is now back, and the Rockets have seen progression from young guards Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson, which should help as well.

Additionally, the Rockets also have one of the best centers in the NBA, Alperen Sengun, who has the ability to rebound, score, and make solid passes, as well as Durant, who can score with the best, in addition to a solid pair of forwards in Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason.

With all that said, I do believe the Rockets have the talent to not just match what they did last year, but instead reach at least 60 wins and potentially earn home-court advantage for the playoffs, which would be a big statement from this team in a very competitive Western Conference.

The final bold take on this list is that center Alperen Sengun can make the All-NBA Second Team for the first time in his NBA career.

At this point, Sengun has been a two-time All-Star but has yet to make an All-NBA team. As mentioned in the previous section, Sengun has a tremendous offensive skill set, and if it is maximized, I believe he can make the All-NBA Second Team.

In 2025, Sengun averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 1.1 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. As far as efficiency goes, Sengun shot 51.9 percent from the field, 30.5 percent from three, and 69.1 percent from the free-throw line. Overall, Sengun demonstrates the ability to contribute in all areas for the Rockets, and after a great 2025 campaign, I believe he will take that next step.

So, heading into 2026, if Sengun continues to refine his scoring, rebounding, passing, and defense, I believe that he has the ability to not only be more productive, but also earn a selection to the All-NBA Second and possibly even make a case for the All-NBA First Team.