30 days/30 teams: Houston Rockets

Rockets don’t plan to stop once they take off. After eleven more wins in the 2024/25 season, Houston activated the next phase of its rocket. The franchise is the source of a “blockbuster trade” this offseason by repatriating Kevin Durant to Texas, the country of his academic achievements. With “KD”, the team led Making Udoka he wants to change the dimension. The mission is clear: join the race for the title, starting this season.

A first-round playoff elimination by the No. 7 seed Warriors highlighted the offensive limitations of these Rockets. None of the top six scorers in the series against Golden State shot 50%. And the leading scorer in the regular season, Jaylen Green, completely faded, with 38 points in the second game and 45 in the other six games. That’s where Kevin Durant comes in, one of the most reliable and consistent power forwards in history, still impressive with his average of 26.6 points on 52.7% shooting at age 36 last season with the Suns. The two-time NBA champion will be one of the offensive leaders of this team, while he will provide additional experience in big moments.

Kevin Durant could give some tricks to the other young stars on the roster, like Alperen Sengun etc Amen Thompson. At 23 and 22 years old, these two players will undoubtedly have to shoulder more offensive responsibilities, especially with a teammate like “KD” who seems capable of adapting to any style of play. Alperen Sengun will want to ride the momentum of his very good EuroBasket, confirming his new status among the best players on the continent. The All-Star will need to prove his progress in all sectors of the game and should play the role of center for these Rockets.

Because the other main information from this preseason is a serious injury Fred VanVleetmost likely a full season package (cruciate ligament rupture). The veteran leaves significant leadership gap and in leadership, as he has established himself as one of the main relays of Ime Udoka. Alperen Sengun could take over part of the Rockets’ offensive creation, just like Amen Thompson, who has been long expected this season, or Reed Sheppardwho should have a chance to see more floor space than he did during his rookie season. With the signatures of Dorian Finney-Smith, Clint Capela etc Josh Okogie next to that of Kevin Durant, the team seems designed to go far. Fred VanVleet’s injury and questions about how Houston will make up for it in the game, however, leave little doubt heading into the season.

SUMMER MOVEMENTS

arrivals: Clint Capela, Isaiah Crawford (2-way), JD Davidson (2-way), Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Kevon Harris (2-way), Josh Okogie

Departures: Dillon Brooks, N’Fali Dante, Jalen Green, Joc Landale, Cam Whitmore

PLAYER FOLLOWING HER: AMEN THOMPSON

A Rockets fan favorite, Amen Thompson took the first step last season by becoming a starter. Here, he is now labeled the “most likely player to explode” according to the league’s annual preseason survey of general managers.

Heading into his third season in the NBA, the Swiss Army Knife of the Rockets is preparing to take on his new role as a full-time point guard. His breakthrough was already expected, but Fred VanVleet’s injury should shed a little more light on Amen Thompson and his distribution potential.

His first outings in the preseason are particularly encouraging, whether in transition or on the set. Another string to his bow, already well stocked on both sides of the pitch. Amen Thompson is also likely to be tasked with the opposition’s best exterior, where his explosiveness and length make him a real contender for Defensive Player of the Year. His numbers as a starter last season (15.9 points, 8.8 rebounds, 4.7 assists, 1.7 steals, 1.5 blocks, regular season and playoffs combined) have to be his floor in terms of production. The ceiling hardly has any limits.

Especially if your external address in the preseason – 4/7 on 3-pointers, 9/9 on shots against the Pelicans, while averaging 27.5% and 68.4% respectively – was confirmed.

Average age: 28.6 years

Payroll: $201.1 million (11th)

IDEAL SCENARIO

The Rockets were already inept at times on defense last season? Now imagine a fourth defensive rating to be able to settle together Amen Thompson, Kevin Durant, Dorian Finney-Smith, Jabari Smith Jr and Alperen Sengun avec Tara Eason or Steven Adams as alternatives. This is the hell promised, at least on paper, to Houston’s opponents this season. Finally, one of the potential infernos, as the Texas franchise no longer lacks options to adjust to any opponent.

The expected signings of Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson have already made the Rockets one of the most serious teams in the West. The signing of Kevin Durant has everything to help Houston unblock its offense, sometimes too dependent on his transition game and Jalen Green’s erratic bursts in the half court, a bit more.

Team Name Udoka can now also hope to win a match when they attack better than their opponent, even when the opponent is having a good night (22 wins and 23 losses last season when the opposing team shot 50% or more). That could make the difference between a mere underdog and Oklahoma City’s arch-rival in the West.

WORST SCENARIO

Fred VanVleet’s injury was a reminder that even with its depth, the Rockets’ roster isn’t flawless. The addition of Kevin Durant is obviously a big one, but the former Sun is also a regular subscriber to the dispensary. Will Houston be armed enough then? This is not impossible, but the good performance of the team will then depend heavily on the young players who are still developing, who have yet to prove that they can form the hard core of a winning team in the moments that count.

Already among the league’s nonsense in assists per game, Houston could suffer from a major lack of creativity at times if they miss Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson. Reed Shepard is capable of filling these positions, but he has yet to prove that he has the stock of an NBA starter. Before they can hope to play big, the Rockets will need to find their adjustments.