Average of 26+6+4! Rockets don t give me privileges, Durant doesn t want to repeat the same mistakes, Uduka also shows off

NBA preseason is about to kick off in October, and Rockets fans are looking forward to Durant's performance. The arrival of this league's top superstar injects infinite possibilities into the Rockets. His joining not only made the team's competitiveness soar, but also made people full of imagination about the Rockets in the new season. Durant is the puzzle that any championship team dreams of. Because he can make a final decision at a critical moment, the defensive end can curb any opponent, and the offensive end can not only hold the ball to finish, but also catch and shoot efficiently. Whether it is the "Thunder King" mode with full firepower or the Warriors team-type play that integrates the pass-through system, Durant can adapt with ease.

Joining the Rockets is exactly what Durant dreams of. Recently, Durant participated in a program and frankly shared his mental journey of leaving the Suns and joining the Rockets. He revealed that as early as February 2025, the Suns put him on the trading shelves, which made him feel neglected and disrespected by the team. “I paid a lot for the Sun, but they disappointed me,” Durant said.

In contrast, the Rockets showed sincerity and clear team building plan touched him. It is worth mentioning that the Warriors expressed their strong desire to return before the trade deadline, and even listed him as a target that prioritized Jimmy Butler.

However, Durant finally chose the Rockets, not only because of the Rockets' young core and team atmosphere, but also because of his desire to continue to shine in a system that can relieve his own pressure. Durant's strength is undoubtedly, even at the age of 36 last season, he still showed his dominant performance. During his 36.5 minutes of playing time, he contributed 26.6 points, 6 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.2 blocks, with a shooting percentage of 52.7%, and a three-point shooting percentage of 43%. Such data amazes people: Durant is still the top scorer and all-round player in the league.

Durant made it clear on the show that he planned to play until he was 40, and the upcoming two-year contract extension with the Rockets will ensure that he continues to play for Houston for the next three years and achieves this goal. As Durant said, he wants to retire with the Rockets. Durant showed an admirable modesty attitude towards how to fit into the Rockets. He made it clear that he did not want the team to give him any special treatment, but wanted to be regarded as an ordinary player.

"I don't need a special status, I'm just an ordinary member of the Rockets," Durant said.

Durant even said that the relationship with his young teammates does not need to be deliberately cultivated. "We have a whole season of training and playing together, and the relationship will naturally be established."

This low-key and pragmatic attitude reflects his trust in the Rockets' young core and his confidence in the team's chemistry. Rockets head coach Uduka also mentioned in a previous interview that Durant does not want the team to rely too much on him, especially in the regular season. He is more inclined to stand up at critical moments or in the playoffs and assume the responsibility of deciding the outcome of the game. Durant agreed with this: "I hope that young people like Shin Kyung and Amen will not be influenced by me. They must be themselves well. I will do my best when the team needs me."

Durant's positioning of his role can not only maintain physical strength during the long season, but also allow young Rockets players to grow rapidly in actual combat. The Rockets' lineup depth and youthful vitality are important factors that attract Durant. Amen, Shin Kyung, Ethan, Smith and Shepard are all talented and potential rookies. Durant, who entered the league as the second place in 2007, has long been an idol of these young players. However, he does not want to be lifted up, but rather wants to integrate into the team through daily training and competitions and become a teammate of young players rather than an out of reach legend.

In fact, Durant did not go well after leaving the Warriors. Especially the experiences of the Nets and the Suns, he deeply realized that the team's excessive reliance on him will lead to exhaustion. The experience in the sun is a stark example. Last season, when Durant played, the Suns had a record of 33 wins and 29 losses; when he was absent, the team only achieved a poor record of 2 wins and 11 losses. Although the Suns' lineup has star players like Devin Booker, their overall team-leading ability has caused Durant to bear excessive responsibilities on the court. This high-intensity consumption makes it difficult for him to maintain his peak form in the playoffs. In contrast, the Rockets' lineup structure is more balanced.

Even without Durant last season, the Rockets still achieved second place in the regular season. The growth of young core members such as Shin Kyung and Amen provides the team with a stable lower record limit. Durant's arrival is more like icing on the cake than a timely help, but it is also the key to raising the Rockets' upper limit. To protect Durant's form, the Rockets management decided to allow him to avoid playing back-to-back games in the new season. This strategy not only reflects trust in young players, but also shows the team's careful consideration of Durant's later career. Similar to the Warriors' passing and cutting system back then, the Rockets' rapid offensive and defensive conversion and team coordination style are very suitable for Durant. Instead of carrying the offensive banner alone like he did in the Suns or the Nets, he can get the most value in a more relaxed role.