After the Houston Rockets were knocked out in the first round of last season’s playoffs, the franchise recognized the urgent need for change to become serious <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA title contenders. In response, general manager Rafael Stone orchestrated a significant trade, sending Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for star forward Kevin Durant, a move intended to provide Houston with the scoring presence and closing ability they lacked.
Durant Added as the Defining Closer Houston Needed
Kendrick Perkins, a former teammate of Durant and NBA analyst, recently highlighted the importance of this acquisition on NBA Today. Perkins pointed out that while the Rockets had the necessary pieces and finished second in the Western Conference last year, they were missing a true closer. He emphasized that Kevin Durant fills that role perfectly, describing him as
“arguably, in my eyes, the greatest scorer to ever touch a basketball.”
Perkins further assessed the Rockets’ current standing, stating,
“I’m looking at the #Rockets right now as the 2nd best team in the #NBA, and they’re just inches behind the OKC Thunder…”
—Kendrick Perkins, NBA Analyst
Young Talent Supported but Still Developing
While the Rockets have promising young players like All-Star center Alperen Şengün, 23, and wings Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., who are expected to improve their scoring over the next few seasons, these players are not yet ready to lead the offense in high-pressure moments. Recognizing this, the Rockets’ front office chose to cement their championship chances immediately by adding the seasoned and reliable veteran Durant to their roster, allowing their young core time to grow under his leadership.
Durant Positioned As Houston’s Go-To Closer Going Forward
Greg Swartz from Bleacher Report recently detailed which players would likely take the last shot for each NBA team this upcoming season, naming Kevin Durant as Houston’s unquestioned choice. Swartz wrote,
“Much of what plagued the Houston Rockets during their first-round playoff loss to the Golden State Warriors was the lack of a go-to scorer in key moments,”
and added,
“Hello, Kevin Durant. This is exactly the type of player the Rockets needed. Guys like Alperen Şengün, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. can all contribute offensively throughout the game before letting Durant take over in the fourth.”
Durant’s Veteran Experience Sets Up Rockets for Success
As a future Hall of Famer preparing for his 18th NBA season, Durant’s career is marked by countless game-winning performances, underscoring his reputation as one of the most clutch players in basketball history. In Houston, he will be the primary scorer and final possession leader, supported by talented wings Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Amen Thompson, who are all expected to benefit from playing alongside a player of Durant’s caliber.
How Kevin Durant’s Arrival Changes Houston’s Championship Outlook
With Durant now leading their offense, the Houston Rockets transform from a talented but unproven squad into legitimate title contenders. His presence provides a reliable closer in tight games, a critical factor the team lacked during last season’s playoff exit. The move also preserves the Rockets’ young core, allowing them to develop while competing at a championship level.
The upcoming NBA season will reveal how effectively Houston integrates Durant’s scoring prowess with their emerging stars, setting the stage for a highly competitive run in the Western Conference and possibly beyond.