r/rockets • u/TheAthletic • 4d ago

[GUILLORY] Kevin Durant, Amen Thompson and the 11 questions facing the Rockets this season

https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7640172/2026/09/30/houston-rockets-burning-question-kevin-durant-nba/?unlocked_article_code=1.FFE.joAA.s-WEiiJKqP2m&source=emp_shared_article&smid=url-share-ta

With improved health and another year of experience with their young core, the Houston Rockets appear to have everything they need to rank among the top contenders in the Western Conference this season — on paper.

But after back-to-back first-round playoff exits, there’s natural skepticism about whether Houston is ready to live up to expectations and take the next step as a contender. 

We decided to go through the key players on this season’s roster with one burning question each must answer entering the campaign. We have stuck to players likely to be in the rotation, with perhaps a bonus player at the end.

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u/a4mula 4d ago

The 11 questions all lead to a more singular one. Even if everything breaks the way the Rockets would like. Is it enough to put them in the same tier as SAS or OKC, or does it merely bump them into the second tier with DEN and MIN left to fight for the scraps.

I'd propose a 12th question. Does bringing Chip Engelland in to be a shooting coach change the dynamics of what has been a questionable approach to offensive philosophy over the past few years?

Maybe. We'll have to wait and see I guess.

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u/wallsallbrassbuttons 4d ago

I think the Rockets have a path to winning it all. That path will be stifling defense and clutch offense. Whether they’re capable of it is a different question. But if Amen, Jabari, Tari, Smart, Adams, and FVV play at their defensive best, and Kevin Durant gives us 35 a night in the playoffs, we could do it. 

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u/a4mula 4d ago

No matter the outcome, it's nice to have a team that gives you that chance. Could be worse, we could be Mav fans.

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u/wallsallbrassbuttons 4d ago

Absolutely! This team will be fun. I was gutted last year when FVV went down. That ruined our chances. But this year, with him here, everyone’s in their proper place. The team has a chance to win it all. It’ll be fun to track their progress. 

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u/duncanidaho4891 4d ago

Last year the narrative was can anyone compete with OKC, or Denver...

And none of them are in the final.

I say, fuck pre-season narrative

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u/Pseudotachylites Clutch 4d ago

Great article, appreciate the no paywall

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u/NamiRocket 4d ago

Roster conversation aside, I'm just still so happy every time I see those uniforms. It took them way too long.

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u/rivboat 4d ago

Durant was hurt during the playoffs. Guess what, he is our best player and top scorer. Somehow that is lost on our NBA analysts. Go to your gambling sites and bet the over on 47 wins. It’s free money.