With Durant Sidelined, Focus On Rockets Young Core

HOUSTON, TEXAS - APRIL 30: Alperen Sengun #28 and Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets react in front of Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter in Game Five of the Western Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center on April 30, 2025 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

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Just a mere 90 minutes before tipoff of Houston’s postseason opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, All-Star forward Kevin Durant was ruled out with a right knee contusion. Houston’s season had already been derailed by injuries to veteran guard Fred VanVleet and veteran center Steven Adams. Without the trio of vets, Houston’s young core would be front and center.

The Rockets started their rebuild project back in 2020 with the trades of star guards Russell Westbrook (Washington) and James Harden (). What ensued was three grueling 60 loss seasons, resulting in three consecutive top four draft picks. Then, in 2023-2024, after hiring head coach Ime Udoka, and signing VanVleet and forward , the Rockets shot up to 41-41. A year later, they went 52-30, capturing the second seed in the brutal Western Conference. This year, after trading and Brooks for Durant in the offseason, Houston again went 52-30, despite losing VanVleet and Adams for the season.