Kevin Durant Questions Houston Rockets' Plan to Limit His Playing Time
Kevin Durant reacted skeptically to the Houston Rockets' plans to reduce his playing time for the 2026/27 season, insisting he plays best when on the court.
Kevin Durant is not particularly thrilled with the Houston Rockets' plan to manage his playing time ahead of the decisive stages of the season. During the team's official media day held on Tuesday, the eve of training camp, the star was asked about statements from head coach Ime Udoka and general manager Rafael Stone regarding their desire to reduce his minutes during the 2026/27 season.
Durant did not even wait for the question to finish. When told that Udoka and Stone spoke about wanting to "lower your minutes at certain points this season," he immediately replied: "Why?" He later explained: "I'm better on the court. The team is better when I'm on the court." According to him, all his preparation is designed to allow him to play as many minutes as the team needs.
The Team's Perspective
The idea from Houston is not new. Already at the end-of-season press conference on May 4, Udoka explicitly stated: "We definitely want to bring those minutes down." The coach explained then that the original intention was not to overload Durant, but injuries to Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams forced him to shoulder a much larger burden.
Stone also echoed the message during the Summer League in July, stating that one of the goals for the new season is to decrease Durant's minute load. The expected return of VanVleet and Adams, alongside a more balanced roster built over the summer, should allow Houston to do so.
Balancing Health and Competitiveness
It is easy to understand why the Rockets are concerned. Last season, Durant played 78 games, averaged 26 points, and ranked second on the team in total minutes despite his age. He will turn 38 next week, and in the playoffs, he suffered an injury that significantly limited him in the series where Houston was eliminated in the first round.
"I'm better on the court. The team is better when I'm on the court." - Kevin Durant
On the other hand, Durant's stance is completely consistent. Already during last season, when asked about the heavy workload, he said he prepares physically to be able to play over 40 minutes and that from his perspective, his role is to be available whenever the team needs him. In April, he even stated that his goal every summer is to prepare his body for 82 games and as many minutes as possible.
Now Houston is left to find the balance between the desire to keep their star fresh and healthy for the playoffs and the fact that Durant himself has no interest in being protected from himself.
