Basketball Hall of Famer Magic Johnson has stated that the Houston Rockets are a team to watch in the Western Conference next season. This follows the departure of LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard, while LaMelo Ball, Ja Morant, and Walker Kessler have found new teams. Johnson highlighted that the Rockets will be dangerous due to the return of Fred VanVleet, who is expected to serve as the starting point guard next season after a season-ending knee injury. VanVelleet brings a combination of deep-range volume and defensive pressure to the Rockets, and his leadership role as president of the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) indicates a level of leadership that can translate to the locker room.