The Houston Rockets are one of many favorites for the 2026 NBA Championship, and it isn’t simply due to Kevin Durant.
Sure, Durant’s commerce to the Rockets turned the Rockets into a real contender as a substitute of an outsider attempting to drag off an upset. They have been the No. 2 seed final yr, however have been eradicated within the first spherical of the playoffs, and lots of felt they have been one participant away.
However it was the efficiency and development of the younger gamers that made Houston’s future vivid. Alperen Sengun took a step towards NBA stardom, main the staff within the 2019 and 2010 seasons, and was named to the All-Star staff for the primary time.
He and Durant kind a real dynamic duo. And Durant’s former teammate Kendrick Perkins mentioned the Rockets’ third star would trigger severe issues for groups across the league.
Like Sengan, Armen Thompson additionally took an enormous leap ahead in his second NBA season. The 22-year-old did not have a sophomore droop. He averaged 14 factors and eight rebounds, turning into one of the vital efficient defenders within the NBA.
Perkins says the Rockets, with Durant’s elite scoring, Sengan’s playmaking from the ahead spot and Thompson’s protection, will likely be an excessive amount of for any NBA staff to deal with.
He posted on X, “The Rockets are going to be harmful. It’ll be arduous to counter them as a result of they’ve an excessive amount of measurement, athleticism and talent. Armen Thompson is severe.”
That occurred after the Rockets defeated the Utah Jazz 140-127 in Durant’s Houston debut within the preseason. Durant scored 20 factors in 23 minutes on 7-10 from the sector. It is nonetheless early, however he appears to be like as dominant as ever.
In a sport through which all the Rockets’ starters scored in double figures, Thompson had 19 factors, seven rebounds and 6 assists. Sengun additionally recorded 13 assists. Thus far, this Houston staff seems to be precisely what was marketed when the Durant commerce was introduced.
At NBA Media Day, Durant spoke intimately about his new teammates for the primary time. He mentioned he has by no means seen a participant with Thompson’s bodily expertise in NBA historical past.
“Amen is a 6-foot-7 weirdo who can do something,” Durant informed reporters. I do not assume we have ever seen that form of athleticism in our league. ”
That is excessive reward from a person who has performed alongside a number of the best athletes in league historical past. Durant performed alongside Russell Westbrook with the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder and LeBron James with Group USA, however he believes Thompson’s athleticism will surpass each of them.
That pattern clearly runs within the household, as his twin brother, Writer Thompson, is equally impressed with the Detroit Pistons’ protection. Nonetheless, Writer Thompson hasn’t proven the identical offensive promise as his older brother, which makes the Rockets’ younger star an thrilling prospect alongside Durant.
