Ime Udoka outlined a plan to weave Kevin Durant into Houston's offense at the upcoming coaches retreat, emphasizing a seamless fit rather than a spotlight hog. Durant’s presence should elevate efficiency and open looks for the Rockets’ young core, with Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Alperen Sengun likely anchoring the starting group alongside Durant, while Jabari Smith Jr. competes for the fifth spot during camp.

Durant’s track record of high efficiency and late-game decision-making should lift the Rockets’ half-court execution, historically a weakness. Udoka and Royal Ivey’s Brooklyn ties to Durant hint at a similar, ball-sharing approach that still leverages Durant to close games, while precamp drills in late September will determine exact lineups and roles.

The trade that sent Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks to Phoenix clears the deck for Durant to blend with Houston’s core, with Durant drawing attention that should free up shooters and cutters. The mix of Durant’s IQ and the Rockets’ length and scoring depth sets up a potentially more efficient and versatile offense this season.

Rockets season-ticket base up 25% ahead of Kevin Durant’s first season, signaling a surge in fan demand as Houston shifts toward title contention. Durant’s arrival amplifies national exposure with 28 national TV games set, including Amazon and NBC slots, and a home opener against Detroit looming after a road tilt at Oklahoma City. Attendance and corporate partnerships are rising as the organization leans into Udoka’s system and Amen Thompson’s emergence, with Durant and his twin brother adding front-office excitement.

EuroBasket 2025 features Doncic, Markkanen, Jokic and Sengun delivering premium fantasy signals for next season and a stern test for Oklahoma City. Doncic’s 34 PPG on high efficiency, Jokic’s 66% FG clip, Markkanen’s 24.7 PPG, and Sengun’s heavy minutes on 59% FG map a high-usage, multi-cat floor. Durant’s Rockets arc with Jabari Smith and Amen Thompson sweetens the West, leaving OKC chasing Nuggets and Lakers in a crowded landscape.

Lu Dort lands at No. 3 among Western Conference shooting guards in a ranking that focuses on the 2025-26 season's fantasy upside. Anthony Edwards anchors a tier atop the West, combining scoring, playmaking and volume as Minnesota builds around him. Dort flashed a career defensive peak, earning All-Defense honors while staying a sharp 3-point threat—his value leans heavily on multi-category contributions and defensive hustle that translate into steady fantasy output.

Amen Thompson and Austin Reaves headline the next tier, bringing elite athleticism and versatile scoring—Thompson with breakout potential in transition, Reaves as a reliable secondary scorer for L.A. The piece also spotlights young upside across the conference—Podziemski, Camara, Braun and Podziemski as high-upside guards with varied fit on playoff hopeful teams—plus veterans Beal, Klay, Monk and Caldwell-Pope offering larger-sample shooting and experience.

OKC’s Dort stands out as a cornerstone fantasy defender who can anchor both steals and threes, while the West’s guard rotation promises depth behind the top tier. The article evaluates players’ trajectories, team contexts, and the risk-reward calculus critical to fantasy leagues, making Dort a compelling blend of floor and upside as the season nears.