Joe Johnson believes the Houston Rockets should take a chance on Russell Westbrook, arguing that the veteran guard could provide valuable insurance behind Fred VanVleet while reuniting with longtime former teammate Kevin Durant.
During a recent podcast discussion, Johnson pointed directly to VanVleet’s recovery from major knee surgery. The Rockets guard missed the entire 2025-26 season after suffering a torn ACL and meniscus, and although Houston is optimistic about his return, his readiness and workload remain important questions entering the new campaign.
Johnson questioned whether it would be wise for the Rockets to immediately place an 82-game burden on VanVleet after such a lengthy rehabilitation. In his view, Houston needs another experienced point guard who can organize the offense, create opportunities for teammates and absorb meaningful minutes if VanVleet requires rest or encounters setbacks.
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
That is where Westbrook enters the discussion. The 37-year-old remains an unrestricted free agent after spending last season with Sacramento, and Houston currently has Durant and VanVleet on its roster.
Westbrook would bring obvious strengths. He still pushes the pace, attacks the basket, rebounds aggressively and creates open shots through sheer pressure on the defense. Johnson also emphasized Westbrook’s conditioning, praising the former MVP for remaining in excellent physical shape late in his career.
The potential reunion with Durant would inevitably attract attention. The two spent eight seasons together with the Oklahoma City Thunder and reached the 2012 NBA Finals, but their relationship became strained after Durant left for Golden State in 2016. Both players have since publicly moved beyond much of that tension, although sharing a team again would still require clearly defined roles and mutual acceptance.
There are also legitimate basketball concerns. Westbrook’s limited outside shooting could complicate Houston’s spacing, particularly in lineups built around Durant, Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün. He would also need to accept a reduced role centered on bench leadership and short bursts of playmaking rather than the high-usage responsibilities that defined his prime.
Johnson is not presenting Westbrook as a replacement for VanVleet or a long-term solution. His argument is that Houston should view a low-cost veteran signing as a manageable gamble. VanVleet’s health cannot be taken for granted, and a team with championship ambitions should not enter the season without dependable backcourt depth.
For the Rockets, the decision would come down to role clarity. Westbrook can still provide energy, experience and playmaking, but only if he embraces the specific job Houston needs him to perform.
