Durant’s arrival brings elite scoring and gravity, letting Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson flourish as Durant orchestrates the offense. Finney-Smith adds 3-and-D gravity, while Capela and Okogie supply defense and boards; the Rockets’ depth looks West-ready.

Durant won’t play every game, so non-Durant minutes must hold up and the roster’s older, injury-prone profile adds risk. Houston also added VanVleet, kept key young pieces, and reshaped the rotation for a potential 55-win pace and a deep playoff push.

With a tough early schedule and a friendlier second half, Houston projects a strong postseason run and a possible conference finals bid if chemistry and health cooperate.