Rockets debut ‘tall ball,’ however will or not it’s sufficient to safe Kevin Durant one other title?
“We are able to use our size and dimension,” Durant stated throughout camp. “Clog the paint up, get offensive rebounds, get out in transition and run.”
That dimension benefit may redefine the Rockets’ id. Udoka has hinted at emphasizing protection, rebounding and tempo — a combination that would make Houston a nightmare matchup. Thompson’s athleticism, paired with Smith’s perimeter taking pictures, provides the Rockets flexibility regardless of their dimension. With Şengün’s artful passing from the elbow and Adams’ physicality inside, Houston may dominate the paint and the glass.
The final dance for Durant
However past the tall-ball lineup, the story focuses on Durant, the 37-year-old celebrity who nonetheless has one thing to show after signing what doubtless will likely be his final main contract extension.
After profitable two championships with the Warriors, Durant hasn’t had success elsewhere in capturing one other ring. His Brooklyn Nets tenure imploded, his Phoenix Suns stint fell brief, and critics have questioned whether or not he can lead a crew to the highest because the unquestioned focus.
As Charles Barkley has acknowledged, “Can KD win because the bus driver?”
Now in Houston, Durant — who scored 23 factors Tuesday — could also be staring down his final authentic shot at including one other title to his résumé. The Rockets’ roster blends younger stars and seasoned veterans in a means few of his earlier groups have. Udoka’s disciplined system and a protection anchored by Adams may give Durant the construction he has lacked lately.
Kevin Durant’s legacy
Durant’s legacy is already safe with two Finals MVPs, 4 scoring titles, an MVP award and 14 All-Star appearances, however honest or not, historical past tends to separate the nice from the immortal by their rings. Profitable one with out Stephen Curry and the Warriors would silence one of many final lingering narratives round his profession.
For Houston, which completed 52-30 final season, the danger and reward are equally huge. The crew is betting on its dimension, expertise and Durant’s enduring greatness to vault past first-round playoff standing. It’s an audacious transfer in a league that has more and more favored small-ball lineups and pace-and-space offenses.
Nonetheless, the Rockets consider they’ve discovered the proper stability between size, versatility and veteran management. If this lineup clicks, it couldn’t solely dominate the common season but in addition shift the league’s strategy to crew development.
The grand experiment might not work, however one factor is for certain: The Rockets are going huge, and Kevin Durant goes for one final huge second.
