NBA champion believes Rockets are in 'the mix of contenders'

Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant (7) and center Alperen Sengun (28) react after a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first half at Paycom Center. Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

NBA champion believes Rockets are still in 'the mix of contenders'

By Colby Colwell | Last updated Oct 22, 2025 4:46 PM ET

The Houston Rockets gave the defending-champion Oklahoma City Thunder everything they could handle on Tuesday night, but ultimately came up short in a 125-124 double-overtime classic.

While guard Fred VanVleet (torn ACL) is likely out for the entire 2025-26 season, the Rockets debuted the tallest starting lineup in NBA history and look poised to wreak havoc on opposing teams all season with their length.

That came to fruition as Houston outrebounded Oklahoma City, 52-38, and looked like a team that is built to contend despite the potential season-long absence of VanVleet.

Two-time champion with the Rockets and current analyst Kenny Smith was on Wednesday's edition of ESPN's "First Take" and was asked how much of a threat he believes the Rockets are in the Western Conference.

Kenny Smith puts the Rockets among the contenders

"For me, if Fred VanVleet is there, they would be the odds-on rival to Oklahoma City because they would have experience, they would have depth, they would have size," Smith said. "... When you put Kevin Durant on any basketball team immediately, they become right into the mix of contenders."

"When you put Kevin Durant on any basketball team immediately, they become right into the mix of contenders."@TheJetOnTNT weighs in on the Rockets and how much of a threat they can be in the Western Conference ✍️ pic.twitter.com/DK4zh9ZPfa
— First Take (@FirstTake) October 22, 2025

Smith noted that he can see Houston becoming one-dimensional with VanVleet not on the floor. With him out, 6-foot-7 Amen Thompson started at point guard in the opener, but had mixed results with 18 points (0-of-7 3PT) and four turnovers.

That could open the door for someone like 2024 No. 3 overall pick Reed Sheppard, who had nine points and four assists in 28 minutes and only committed two turnovers. Considering the Rockets had 22 turnovers in the game, Sheppard's ability to take care of the ball could earn him some additional playing time and give Houston a boost.

Durant, who fouled out of the game, finished with the second-most points on the team (23) and was a rebound away from a double-double. The highlight of the night was 6-foot-11 center Alperen Sengun, who led the team with 39 points (5-of-8 3PT), 11 rebounds and seven assists, providing some much-needed long-range help for a Rockets team that only combined to make six additional threes.

Houston's shooting needs to improve, aside from Durant and Sengun. If the Rockets want to be true contenders by season's end, having a more balanced attack inside and out will be crucial, especially if fouls become an issue like they did in the opener.

Colby Colwell

Colby Colwell is a freelance contributor with a bachelor’s in Computer & Information Technology and a minor in Psychology from Western Kentucky University. With a deep passion for sports, especially NASCAR, he offers his substantial knowledge along with his adept writing skills. When he’s not writing, Colby enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his family

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