Kevin Durant is making an immediate impact as a leader for the Houston Rockets, who sit at 9-3 and third in the Western Conference. The 37-year-old veteran, acquired in a blockbuster trade this offseason, is blending his experience with the team's young talent amid injuries to key players. His guidance has sparked improved performances, including from second-year guard Reed Sheppard.
HOUSTON — Kevin Durant, the 37-year-old forward, has quickly become a guiding force for the Houston Rockets following his acquisition in the most expansive blockbuster trade in NBA history this offseason. The Rockets, coming off a heartbreaking first-round playoff exit six months ago, are now 9-3 and third in the West, despite losing starting point guard Fred VanVleet to injury.
During practices at the Memorial Hermann training center, Durant engages in competitive drills, such as a free-throw contest where he bested second-year guard Reed Sheppard, veteran Aaron Holiday, and two-way guard JD Davidson. Durant, a near-career 90% free-throw shooter, uses these moments to inspire. "Just being in the same gym with him... He’s the ultimate vet, the ultimate brother," Davidson said.
Durant's leadership style emphasizes actions over words, a approach honed across stints with Oklahoma City (alongside Russell Westbrook and Jeff Green), Golden State (with Steph Curry and Draymond Green), Brooklyn (with Kyrie Irving and James Harden), and Phoenix (with Devin Booker). Past criticisms from figures like Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins have not deterred him. "More than anything, I always wanted to be a guy that does s*** instead of says s***," Durant told Yahoo Sports.
Coach Ime Udoka, who worked with Durant in Brooklyn and on the U.S. national team, encouraged him to be more vocal with the young roster. "It’s a different situation for him... it’s more teaching, putting your arm around guys," Udoka said.
A key moment came after a home loss to Detroit on Oct. 24, when Durant approached a struggling Sheppard, who had nine points on 3-for-11 shooting and three turnovers. "Two down, we got 80 more," Durant said, lifting the guard's spirits. Since November, Sheppard has averaged nearly 14 points on 53.5% three-point shooting, contributing to Houston's nine wins in their last 10 games after an 0-2 start.
Durant leads the team with 25.9 points per game on .510/.400/.888 shooting splits. Off the court, he fosters camaraderie, inviting teammates to dinners and sharing insights. "I got more comfortable speaking up when I see stuff," Durant said.
The Rockets' depth faces tests with Tari Eason out up to six weeks (oblique injury) and Dorian Finney-Smith returning from ankle surgery. Upcoming games against Cleveland, Denver, Phoenix, and Golden State loom before Thanksgiving. In a recent 140-116 win over the Trail Blazers, Durant highlighted team assists over individual dominance.