The Houston Rockets made one of the splashiest moves in the offseason, trading for Kevin Durant to add him to their young core. After last year’s successful run, finishing with the second seed in the crowded Western Conference, the Rockets knew they needed a bit more. Their first-round loss to the Golden State Warriors showed they need a bit more offense and a closer who can score in the last minutes of a tight game. But while many Rockets fans might think Durant will slow down the development of their young core, head coach Ime Udoka has a calming message about his role.
The Rockets’ Role for Kevin Durant Will Make Fans Happy
Durant is arguably one of the 15 best players in the history of the game. When you get a player like that, the initial reaction might be to model the offense to him. But the best part about KD’s game is that he can fit on any team. He is such a seamless to integrate superstar. Unlike most stars, Durant doesn’t need the ball to be effective. And according to Rockets head coach Ime Udoka, Durant doesn’t wish to overshadow the young players and will play a different role. Speaking about the matter, Udoka said:
“That’s his message to a lot of the young guys: Be who you are, continue to grow in those areas, and I’ll fit in where we see necessary. He’s a guy who doesn’t want (us) to just lean on him. He wants to kind of be implemented into the group, and people not to take a backseat to him.”
This should be great for Rockets fans, who love their young core of Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson, Tari Eason, and the rest of the guys. Throughout his career, Durant has shown an ability to adjust to new systems, like when he joined the Warriors.
Durant Can Fit Any System
Durant is often called the “most adjustable superstar.” And that is true because he can fit on any team. During the Paris 2024 Olympics, Durant missed the preparation games and training camp. But when he joined the team for the first time, he fit in seamlessly and changed the course of the first game against Serbia. Speaking on the matter, Udoka said:
“The things that he does on the court, offensively, are seamless. You can fit him into any system. You’ve seen that wherever he’s gone, even in the last few years. The efficiency, the numbers at an older age, he’s still doing that at a very high level. So he’ll fit in seamlessly with our guys. I think the attention that he draws will be beneficial to others. He’s a guy you can lean on at times to close games, but a very unselfish player as well with a high IQ.”
Entering his 18th year in the league, Durant will be one of the oldest players in the NBA. The last few seasons have not been as successful during his time with the Phoenix Suns. But the Rockets hope that KD will be the missing piece that will get them over the edge. They have the fifth-best championship odds for next season.
Sengun Is Ready to Be the Main Guy
The Houston Rockets should be happy with how the FIBA EuroBasket 2025 is going. Sengun has led Turkey to the medal rounds, and he is showing an ability to be the main player on a title-team. In the game against Serbia, he managed to use his advantages against Nikola Jokic, outplaying the three-time MVP.
And the best part is that Sengun is learning how to be a facilitator as much as an offensive player. He can be a great hub for running the offense. With Sengun making plays for his teammates, the Rockets can use a balanced attack and have KD ready to close games when necessary. Durant is among the best closers in the game and a guy who has a career average of more than 50% shooting from the floor.
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