According to US sports media F/W special contributor Nico Martinez, Kevin Durant has officially landed in Houston, and head coach Uduka is already setting the tone for the superstar's integration. Speaking about Durant's arrival, Uduka stressed that while Durant's scoring and efficiency will increase the Rockets' ceiling, he does not want the team's young core to retreat to the second line in the process.
"He is a man who doesn't want (we) to just rely on him," Uduka said through the Houston Chronicle. "He wants to fit in the team to some extent, and people don't give way to him. This is the message he has sent to many young people: Be yourself and keep growing in these areas, and I'll adapt to where we think we need it."
36-year-old Durant joined his third team and has been questioned about his fit with the Rockets after the Nets and Suns failed. However, Uduka has no doubt that Durant will raise the team's cap in the upcoming season. "What he does on the field, offensively, is seamless," Uduka added. "You can get him into any system. You see that, no matter where he goes, even in the past few years. Efficiency, data from older age, he still does it at a very high level. So he will blend seamlessly with our players. I think the attention he attracts is good for others. He is a guy you can count on to end the game at times, but also a very selfless player with a high IQ."
The Rockets have reached their competitors without Durant. Led by Shin Kyung, Jaylen Green and Amen Thompson, they won 52 games last season, ranking second in the West. However, when they were eliminated in the first round, the team responded by trading Green, Dillon and the No. 10 picks from the 2025 draft for Kevin Durant.
In addition to being the No. 1 pick with many years of experience, Durant's status as an elite scorer will help the Rockets become a more stable offensive threat. As a two-time champion, 15 All-Stars and four-time scoring champion, he averaged 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds and 4.2 assists per game last season. This is a great addition to a team with 13th offensive ratings and averaging 114.3 points per game. If they can maintain their elite defensive position, they could be one of the most comprehensive teams in the NBA in the 2025-26 season.
It is important for the Rockets that Durant's come in will not destroy what they have already established. His goal is to find his health and allow his teammates to reach their maximum potential while allowing them to do their own things. The Rockets have made it clear that Durant is not their top priority right now and he seems ready to accept a new role later in his career.
If this all comes together, Houston might find the perfect combination of veteran leadership and youthful vitality. Durant doesn't need to carry the Rockets; he just needs to improve them. Ultimately, if the young core continues to grow while relying on his experience, the team could be the West's best in the coming years. What do you think? #New Creator Growth Plan##Today's headlines can post live photos##No. 1 Creator Incentive Plan##Talk about hot topics#
