Houston Rockets fans can expect bigger things in the 2025-26 NBA season. Kevin Durant’s arrival lifted the Rockets to superstardom. Not saying that the Rockets didn’t have any stars, as Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and Tari Eason are star-studded players in Houston. But the Rockets’ star power hasn’t stemmed from a veteran player like Durant, 36, in a long time.
Kevin Durant Lifts Houston Rockets To Superstardom
Durant lifted the Houston Rockets to superstardom. Durant brings the Rockets two things: a superstar and an elite multi-level scorer. Durant’s presence is expected to streamline the Rockets’ offense while facilitating the growth of younger Rockets players.
The last time the Rockets had a veteran star was from 1984-2001 when the team selected Hakeem Olajuwon with the first overall pick of the 1984 NBA Draft. Olajuwon, now 62, led the Rockets to their first-ever NBA Championship in 1994 and followed up with a second NBA title in 1995. The Lagos, Nigeria native currently works in the business industry, specializing in real estate and fashion.
Kevin Durant’s Outlook In Houston
Durant’s outlook in Houston appears to be bright. Durant is an effective shooter who shot at 43% last season. Durant’s shooting can complement Dorian Finney-Smith’s shooting, which was 41% last season, and elevate a Rockets team that’s built to dominate the Western Conference this season.
However, it’s not guaranteed that the Rockets will succeed. Durant can give the Rockets’ offense a lift, but things can go south if the rest of the team’s offense declines in the non-Durant minutes. Durant, who will turn 37 on NBA Opening Night, won’t be expected to play in every game, per Rockets General Manager Rafael Stone.
The Rockets must rely on Sengun, Thompson, and Finney-Smith to score when Durant isn’t playing. The Rockets must also manage a roster that’s significantly older and more injury-prone than most other rosters.
Final Thoughts
Durant was one of the biggest headlines in the Houston Rockets’ summer. The Rockets acquired Durant without messing up their roster or sacrificing their two future first-round picks in 2027 and 2029, respectively, that once belonged to the Phoenix Suns. The Rockets’ decision to give up two starters in the Durant trade will likely work out in the end.
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