Fans tab Alperen Sengun as the Rockets’ MVP frontrunner this season, voting 65% in Reacts over Kevin Durant.

Sengun's EuroBasket form has raised expectations; if that momentum translates to Houston and the team stays in the Western Conference playoff mix, he could become a legitimate MVP candidate. Durant remains a veteran counterpoint, but Sengun’s rising star is the focal point for the Rockets’ potential breakout.

Houston’s MVP case hinges on contending in a tough West and Sengun sustaining high usage and efficiency. If the Rockets falter, Durant’s steady production could still carry the narrative—yet the early hype centers on Sengun’s breakout impact.

The Suns head into 2025-26 still seeking a true lead guard after Tyus Jones left for Orlando, pushing Devin Booker to anchor a multi-guard attack with Jalen Green if he starts at point. With Durant and Beal moved on, Phoenix bets its offense on Booker’s playmaking, Green’s growth, and Collin Gillespie stepping up as a reliable secondary ballhandler. New coach Jordan Ott must weave a flexible system around a roster that features combo guards like Goodwin and Butler while keeping a center-centered floor for offense to flourish without a traditional facilitator.

Jordan Goodwin returns to Phoenix Suns on waivers, bringing grit, defense, and a reliable second-unit presence. The low-cost addition is designed to anchor on-ball pressure and stabilize lineups behind Devin Booker and the Suns' growing youth core. Success hinges on improved shooting and playmaking, but his defensive impact and rebounding provide immediate value in a roster built for 2-way versatility.

Projected role centers on a tempo guard who can guard ones and twos, push in transition, and reset the offense without forcing action. If the jumper improves and decision-making stays solid, Goodwin can carve out a meaningful rotation spot; if not, his minutes may stay limited despite the upside.