The Houston Rockets just went from promising to downright terrifying. With the acquisition of two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant, the Rockets have put the entire league on notice. The deal, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the No. 10 pick in the 2025 draft, and five second-rounders to Phoenix, was steep.
But what Houston gets in return is a proven, battle-tested superstar who immediately transforms their lineup into one of the most dangerous in the Western Conference.
Here’s what their projected starting five looks like heading into the 2025-26 season:
PG: Fred VanVleet
SG: Amen Thompson
SF: Kevin Durant
PF: Jabari Smith Jr.
C: Alperen Sengun
This lineup isn’t just balanced—it’s big, versatile, defensively sound, and oozes offensive firepower.
The Rockets finished with a 52-30 record last season and were the No. 2 seed in the West, pushing the Warriors to seven games before falling in the first round. Now, with Durant in the mix, Houston isn’t just hoping for a playoff run; they’re eyeing a title.
Let’s break it down.
Fred VanVleet, the floor general, will continue to run the show. He averaged 14.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 5.5 assists last season. While his shooting percentages (37.8% FG, 34.5% 3PT) weren’t elite, VanVleet proved his worth in the playoffs with veteran composure and clutch shot-making.
The Rockets hold a $44.8 million team option on his contract, and current reports indicate they plan to either pick it up or negotiate a longer deal with a reduced cap hit. Either way, VanVleet is expected to remain the steady hand at point.
Amen Thompson moves into a full-time starting role at shooting guard after Green’s departure. The 6-foot-7 sophomore was a revelation last season, averaging 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds while shooting an impressive 55.7% from the field. His defense is already elite, and with Durant drawing defensive attention, Thompson could explode as a secondary slasher and transition weapon.
Kevin Durant slots in at his natural small forward position. Even at 36, he’s still one of the most efficient and feared scorers in the NBA. Last season with Phoenix, he put up 26.6 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.2 assists on 52.7% shooting from the field and a ridiculous 43% from beyond the arc.
The Rockets lacked a go-to scorer late in games during their playoff series against Golden State. Durant is that closer and then some.
Jabari Smith Jr. gets a well-earned promotion. The former No. 3 pick will take over the starting power forward spot after a strong campaign in which he averaged 12.2 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 43.8% from the field and 35.4% from deep.
Smith’s ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions will complement Durant perfectly and give Houston an extremely switchable frontcourt.
Alperen Sengun, the All-Star center and emotional heart of the team, remains a focal point. Sengun averaged 19.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 49.6% from the floor.
With Durant attracting more defensive pressure, Sengun will enjoy even more room to operate in the post. His playmaking from the elbow and top of the key should unlock a dynamic two-man game with KD that will be nearly impossible to stop.
The Rockets’ bench is still loaded. They kept Steven Adams, Reed Sheppard, Jock Landale, Aaron Holiday, Tari Eason, and Cam Whitmore, offering both veteran grit and youthful upside.
Eason and Whitmore, in particular, are athletic wings who can help sustain the pace when the starters rest. Head coach Ime Udoka, who recently signed an extension, now has one of the deepest and most flexible rosters in the league.
This is more than a superteam on paper. It’s a roster built for May and June—durable, hungry, and balanced. Durant brings not only a championship pedigree but also a mentality shift. This team no longer needs to “wait its turn.” With KD, the Rockets are here, and the West should be very, very afraid.
