The NBA continues to showcase an extraordinary level of talent, with many elite players competing at the highest level. Among these stars, Kevin Durant stands out as a critical figure for the Houston Rockets, even as he approaches his 37th birthday. Analysts recognize Durant’s enduring excellence, placing him seventh in the Western Conference’s hierarchy of top players despite concerns over his advancing age.
Durant’s Enduring Impact in the Competitive Western Conference
The Western Conference remains fiercely competitive, featuring a mix of veteran icons and emerging talents. To remain relevant in this high-caliber environment, the Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant, a 15-time All-Star known for his prolific scoring and leadership. Although Durant is among the older players in the league, his ability to influence games continues to capture attention.
NBA.com analyst Shaun Powell assessed Durant’s current standing in the West, highlighting that despite nearing 37 years old, Durant
“can still get buckets on anyone.”
Powell emphasized Durant’s consistent scoring threat, noting,
“He may be running out of teams to join, but not running out of time. Durant is capable of getting 30 or 40 points on any given night, without forcing a single shot. His ability to score off the bounce, in mid-range and from deep is why he’s still a No. 1 option. The rest of his game — defense, rebounding, passing — remains respectable for his age. Much like his 2024 Team USA teammates Curry and LeBron James, Durant is playing tricks on the aging process and keeping his performance level high.”
—Shaun Powell, NBA.com analyst
Statistical Proof of Durant’s High-Level Performance
Durant’s statistics from the 2024-2025 NBA season support Powell’s assessment. Despite missing 20 games, Durant recorded 21 games scoring 30 or more points, tying him for 12th most in the league. He averaged 26.6 points per game while maintaining efficient shooting splits of 52.7% from the field, 43% from three-point range, and 83.9% from the free-throw line. His scoring carried significant portions of the Phoenix Suns’ offense during the season.
When Durant was on the court, the Suns averaged 118.5 points per game and posted a remarkable 58.8% effective field goal percentage, a rating that ranks in the 96th percentile league-wide. This efficiency illustrates Durant’s influential role in the Suns’ offensive production, reinforcing his value as a primary offensive weapon despite his age.
How Durant Compares to Other Premier Western Conference Players
Powell’s ranking places Durant seventh among the Western Conference’s best players, nestled between Anthony Davis and Kawhi Leonard. His list ahead included Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Stephen Curry. Veterans like Durant remain highly competitive in this environment where youth is abundant.
Within the veteran group, Durant’s position is notable given that Anthony Davis has not been a consistent first option for some time, suggesting there is room to argue for a higher ranking for Durant. The ranking highlights his sustained elite performance amid an increasingly talented group of peers.
Young Rockets Stars Not Yet Breaking Into Top Tier
Among the Houston Rockets’ core, neither Alperen Sengun nor Amen Thompson made Powell’s top 10 list or even the honorable mention group. Powell included players like James Harden, Jalen Williams, Ja Morant, and Devin Booker in a secondary mention but omitted the Rockets’ younger talents, suggesting they have yet to reach breakout status.
The absence of Sengun and Thompson at this level is understandable given their developing careers. Both players are expected to push for recognition in future seasons, particularly in the 2025-2026 campaign, as they gain experience and continue to improve.
With all due respect to Harden of the LA Clippers, Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies and the Phoenix Suns’ Devin Booker, here are the 10 best Western Conference players heading into next season,
—Shaun Powell, NBA.com analyst
Implications of Durant’s Ranking and Future Prospects
Kevin Durant’s ranking as the seventh-best player in the Western Conference reflects a balance between his age-related concerns and his unmistakable skill and production. His ability to lead an offense efficiently while maintaining scoring dominance at nearly 37 years old underscores his exceptional longevity and skillset. This standing also serves as a reminder that experienced players like Durant, Curry, and LeBron James continue to challenge the typical decline expected with aging in professional sports.
For the Houston Rockets, Durant’s presence boosts their championship aspirations while young rising stars like Sengun and Thompson develop into potential future top-tier talents. As the NBA landscape evolves, Durant’s performance and leadership will be closely watched to see how long he can sustain this elite level among the burgeoning talent in the Western Conference.