Houston rockets sit No. 2 in USA TODAY’s early 2025-26 power rankings after a bold offseason: Kevin Durant joins Amen Thompson, Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr. to form a high-upside core, with Dorian Finney-Smith providing 3-and-D versatility. Ime Udoka mans the helm as the roster grows into title contention. Rockets fans eye a deep playoff run as training camp opens in late September, while the Thunder loom at No. 1.

Beyond Houston, the piece notes Boston’s and Cleveland’s questions after major offseason changes, Indiana’s rise, and Memphis’ shakeups, setting a wide-open West and a pivotal year for fantasy managers. Durant’s arrival could juice Rockets’ totals; internal development from the young trio and Finney-Smith’s defense will be key, while health and depth shape the rest of the league’s race for titles.

Turkey stayed undefeated in EuroBasket, blasting Estonia 84-64 as Alperen Sengun again looked like the centerpiece. He posted team-highs across the board and propelled a 4-0 group start that already locks Turkey into knockout play. Sengun’s run continues to underline his two-way impact and evolving usage, setting him up for a big NBA season after a breakout 2023-24 campaign.

Back in Houston, Sengun’s rise mirrors a larger storyline: a hungry, elite talent maturing on the world stage while the Rockets’ core gains a new dimension with Kevin Durant’s arrival. Coach Ergin Ataman’s praise emphasizes Sengun’s love for the game and his ability to carry heavy responsibilities, a signal that his fantasy profile—both in NBA and cross-league contexts—could climb as he enters his mid-20s.

Houston reshapes its core around Kevin Durant, adding Dorian Finney-Smith and Clint Capela while filling 14 roster spots and keeping one more open. Beasley looms as a top bench shooter option, contingent on fit and cost, with internal competition from Cameron Matthews. The upheaval signals a championship bid and a fresh surrounding cast for Sengun and Amen Thompson, whose spacing and playmaking could maximize Durant’s impact.

Beasley’s 16.3 ppg and 41.6% 3-point mark last season, coupled with Durant’s gravity, could unlock efficient looks for Durant, Sengun and the rookie duo. Jalen Green’s exit and Brooks’ departure reshape the Rockets’ fantasy landscape, while the Pistons’ prior dealings frame Beasley’s market. Capela anchors the frontline, and Durant’s presence tors toward a high-upside, high-variance rotation next season.

Brooklyn's Michael Porter Jr. declares Stephen Curry is the only shooter clearly better than him, framing a bold tier with Devin Booker, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant. The Nets’ Cam Johnson swap for Porter is cast as a personal proving ground in a new market, setting up a high-stakes battle for 3PT upside in Brooklyn and Golden State.

Porter cites a career 3-point clip around 40.6% and a six-year ranking that underscores his efficiency; he argues that with gym work he could edge Curry in practice, a claim that pumps up fantasy debate around usage, volume and ceiling for Nets and Warriors this season.