The blockbuster trade that landed Kevin Durant on the Houston Rockets was quite the bargain for Rockets GM Rafael Stone. The Rockets had to surrender Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and the 10th overall pick
in the draft.
That’s a relatively small price to pay for one of the game’s greatest players ever, even if he is aging (Durant turned 37-years-old prior to the start of the season).
Granted, it would be nice to still have Brooks. Especially now, with Tari Eason sidelined and Dorian Finney-Smith still out.
But again, as he once said, he’s Kevin Durant. And he’s still averaging 25.3 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 50.5 percent from the field, 38.4 percent from deep, 89 percent from the foul line, and 62 percent true shooting.
He’s taking 17.4 shots – his fewest since the 2020-21 season.
But he’s having fun again, as told by his trainer, Dash Lovell.
Lovell spoke with Mark Medina and elaborated on Durant’s season thus far.
“I love seeing KD have fun again. That’s what I’m seeing. At his age, he’s having fun and being youthful.”
Life is certainly good when you’re playing alongside Alperen Sengun, who is easily the best center Durant has ever played alongside.
Sengun has drawn double-teams quite frequently this season, leaving Durant open.
Again, life is good when you have that luxury.
Durant’s transition and integration onto the Rockets has been quite seamless. But that’s because Durant did a significant amount of prep work beforehand. Per Lovell, Durant studied film on Amen Thompson and Sengun, to see where they like to get the ball and review their strengths and weaknesses.
He also approached this season as if it were his rookie year. Being first in the gym, getting his day started early, going to bed early and canceling anything that interfered with basketball, even endorsement opportunities and business ventures.
With Durant, the Rockets boast the league’s second-best offense and fourth highest scoring attack. And a fun environment, in the process.
