After finishing the regular season with the second seed in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets proved they are a budding contender moving forward. However, upon being upset in the first round, it’s clear they still had some improvements to make in their quest to become a bona fide title threat.
Armed with an array of assets, the Rockets wasted little time making massive additions to the roster. Their biggest move was executing a trade with the Phoenix Suns for former MVP Kevin Durant.
Although Durant is in the later stages of his career, he’s proven he can still play at a high level. Still one of the game’s most lethal scorers, he’ll provide some much-needed offense in Houston. Especially in late-game situations.
Durant is coming off an All-Star campaign with the Suns, averaging 26.6 PPG, 6.0 RPG, and 4.2 APG across 62 appearances.
Ime Udoka gives his thoughts on Rockets acquiring Kevin Durant
When a star of Durant’s caliber joins a new team, growing pains are to be expected. That said, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has a different point of view on the matter. During a recent media availability, he was asked about the 15-time All-Star joining the mix this season. Udoka feels KD is an ideal fit for the group and will have a positive impact with his style of play.
“You have a high-level scorer that’s been doing it for a long time,” Udoka said. “And anytime you add those type of players, efficiency goes up, attention goes up, it helps other guys out. Things that he does on the court offensively, seamless, you can fit him into any system…He’ll fit in seamlessly with our guys.”
Ime Udoka was asked how the offense changes with the addition of Durant.
“Any time you add those type players efficiency goes up attention goes up it helps other guys.” pic.twitter.com/LRUFSuWUCe
— Lachard Binkley (@BinkleyHoops) September 11, 2025
Just ahead of his 37th birthday, Durant is eager to add another championship to his already historic resumé before he decides to hang it up for good. He and the Rockets will attempt to help each other out in this union by getting the team over the hump to compete with the conference’s other elite teams.
