There has often been skepticism around Kevin Durant, with fans wondering what version of him they will get whenever he moves to a new team. Ever since he left the Golden State Warriors after winning back-to-back titles, every stop in KD’s career has been accompanied by questions about whether he can truly lead a team on his own terms. However, NBA analyst Rachel Nichols recently offered Houston Rockets fans a sense of optimism and relief.
According to her, KD looks more inspired and motivated than ever to lead this young team to success, regardless of who they have on their final roster, simply because he believes in their ability to achieve something big.
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Nichols believes KD solves all issues for the Rockets
One of the primary reasons Houston was able to clinch the second seed in the Western Conference last season was its fourth-ranked defensive rating. Although they lost gritty, “in-your-face” defenders like Dillon Brooks this offseason, the front office wasted no time filling that void by adding Clint Capela and Dorian-Finney Smith. Both players bring much-needed size, versatility and strength on the defensive end.
More importantly, their presence will allow KD to channel most of his energy into being the offensive focal point and clutch scorer the Rockets desperately need to avoid prolonged scoring droughts in various stretches of games.
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Nichols also pointed out that Durant’s arrival comes at the perfect time for the development of Houston’s young core. For instance, with talented stats like Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson developing extensively, Kevin’s presence will ensure that the opposition’s best defenders focus on him rather than them, which will only allow these players to seize the spotlight against even better teams.
“He was more excited and energized than I have seen him in a while. That is great news because an energized and engaged Kevin Durant is very dangerous… and just fun for the rest of us to watch. It’s absolutely hand-in-glove situation. It’s not just what Kevin would be able to do because they didn’t have a go-to scorer in those final minutes before; it is the gravity that he pulls. I think we constantly underestimate that,” Nichols said. “If you are Sengun or if you are some of these other guys, you’re not getting the opponent’s best defender in the clutch. It’s not happening.”
Durant can lead the Rockets to the No. 1 seed
The most encouraging part of the Rockets’ offseason was their decision not to part ways with their top prospects. The team has held onto quality two-way stars like Thompson, Reed Sheppard and Jabari Smith Jr. — each of whom is capable of improving as a scorer while continuing to sharpen their defensive instincts.
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Thus, it seems safe to say that with Durant serving as both a mentor and a go-to scorer, this team has the potential to transform into a legitimate two-way powerhouse. The depth of this roster will be crucial as they compete with juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers for the top seed in the Western Conference.
And as Nichols aptly mentioned, what’s better than having KD in the most inspired phase of his life? That kind of version could even compensate for the absence of a vital piece like Fred VanVleet and keep Houston in the title race.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 26, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.