Kevin Durant Joins Rockets, Spurs Veteran Mentorship Elevates Team Versatility

The Houston Rockets are shaping their upcoming season around a versatile and talented roster featuring Kevin Durant, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun. Durant, a two-time NBA champion, has taken on a mentorship role for Smith, helping the young forward improve his perimeter game, with Rockets head coach Ime Udoka comparing their duo to a successful Orlando Magic pairing from the late 2000s. Durant also expressed admiration for Rockets legend Hakeem Olajuwon and aims to help the team reach new heights. Additionally, Durant praised Sengun's versatility, highlighting his ability to guard, post, set screens, and handle the ball like a guard, with Sengun himself eager to learn from Durant and achieve success together. Sengun's impressive performance at EuroBasket 2025, where he earned All-Star Five honors, has elevated his profile and prepared him for a major NBA role. Overall, the Rockets look poised to leverage the blend of experience and youth as they pursue an NBA championship.