The Rockets are counting on Kevin Durant and “contracts” to improve their shooting

Last season, Rockets were the worst team in the NBA in free throw shooting, with 74% success. And it was even worse in the first round of the playoffs, with a low 70% success rate, and 60 points remaining on the line. also, Kevin Durantsince his arrival in the Texas franchise, he is ready to do anything to reverse this trend. “These are easy spots that can also hurt”, he sums up.

His presence alone is enough to help the Rockets improve, as he is shooting 88.2% for his career, which is the 16th best percentage in history. But the assistant Cam Hodges also implemented a “contract” system in practice: each player must make a certain number of free throws to make to end the session.

Kevin Durant thus has to make 20 free throws, while Alperen Sengun chose to confirm two streaks of five consecutive free throws, without a miss. Jabari Smith Jr. must make at least 23 of 25 free throws.

“It’s a way to hold guys accountable while still keeping the fun aspect. And it seems to be working.”refereed by an assistant coach, compared to Houston’s percentage this season (81%).

It’s still early in the season to draw conclusions, but no team attempts or makes as many free throws as the Texans, and that percentage is 10th best in the league. Promising, then.

Achilles heel last season

Even if there may be little hiccups, with Kevin Durant himself. He missed a important free throw against the Thunderthen only 5/8 heads ended up for the Raptors.

“I get so upset when I miss three. Even during meals with friends and family, I think about it. These are free, easy points, it’s just discipline and concentration”he says.

Here again, all this will have to be confirmed with time, but for now things are improving: Alperen Sengun went from 69 to 79%, Jabari Smith Jr. from 82 to 90%, or even Steven Adams who was at 46% last year and is now at 91%! “We’re pretty tough”notes Kevin Durant. “I like the attitude of the boys. They shoot with confidence, Sengun for example and Adams especially.”

We know that was our Achilles heel last season, especially in the playoffs.Jeff Green can only watch. “That’s how Cam Hodges came up with this contract idea, to put pressure on us to be better and have everyone pick their own number of pitches, so that we can improve.”