The Athletic NBA Daily Does Kevin Durant make the Rockets contenders?
Oct 13, 2025
Will Guillory, an NBA reporter for The Athletic, lends his insights on how Kevin Durant's arrival could transform the Houston Rockets into contenders. He highlights the need for young talents like Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard to step up. Discussion includes the implications of Fred VanVleet's injury on team strategy, Alperen Şengün's potential breakout season, and how Houston plans to utilize their size defensively. Guillory also ranks the Rockets in the competitive Western Conference and evaluates their playoff chances.
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Durant Changes The Team's Mission
- Kevin Durant's arrival shifts Houston's internal goal from development to winning a championship now.
- Durant's presence also offers mentorship upside for young players who idolized him growing up.
Young Ball Handlers Face Immediate Pressure
- Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard must make large leaps because they'll handle heavy ball duties this season.
- If they don't develop quickly, Houston will likely pursue a trade to add proven pieces around KD.
Be Strategic At The Trade Deadline
- Expect Houston to explore point guard additions and weigh Tyrese Maxey-like trade value for Tyrese (Tyree) Eagleton's extension eligibility.
- Balance immediate needs with preserving young assets for the future when deciding trades.