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ESPN’s Tim Legler says Rockets are on the short list in the West with Durant leading the way
originally appeared on The Sporting News
On October 21st, the spotlight will fall on two superstars at opposite ends of their careers. Kevin Durant, now 37, faces Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, ten years his junior, in Oklahoma City. The night doubles as the Thunder’s championship banner-raising ceremony, a moment both triumphant and bittersweet.
For Durant, who averaged a career-best 32 points per game in his sixth season with OKC back in 2013–14, the banner symbolizes a title he couldn’t deliver. For Gilgeous-Alexander, it’s the crowning achievement of his own sixth year, a signature breakthrough that elevated him among the league’s elite. While the crowd celebrates, Durant can only watch as the opposition when the banner ascends inside Paycom Center.
The drama stretches beyond nostalgia. Houston has emerged as a legitimate challenger to Oklahoma City in the West, thanks to Durant’s late-career arrival and the steady leadership of coach Ime Udoka. I caught up with ESPN’s Tim Legler, who believes the Rockets are ready to make that push.
“Ima Udoka has proven he’s a top tier coach in this league. He’s a guy who can mold a team to take on his personality. A year ago, he didn’t have a proven offensive answer in terms of his personnel. He has it now in Durant. The Van Fleet loss is big, but the Rockets are going to be on the short list of teams that can be the last one standing in the West.”
Legler feels Durant can still deliver at the highest level. “I expect K.D. to do what he’s always done. He’ll score against any defense and do it efficiently. I don’t think he needs to average 27-30 points a night with this roster and the defensive identity of their team. So that might help him stay healthy. If he drops say 25 a night, he’s still a candidate for 1st team all-league, assuming the Rockets stay top 3 in the West.”
Ultimately, Houston’s fortunes may ultimately hinge on Amen Thompson’s rapid rise.
“Amen is going to be a super star. It’s just a matter of when. He’s already top 5 defensively in the NBA. Now with the added ball responsibilities, he can really flourish as an all-around player. He needs to keep extending his range and confidence beyond 20 feet. If he adds that dimension to his game, he’ll be a dominant force every night.”
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 2, 2025
As Durant enters the twilight of his career and Gilgeous-Alexander sits atop the league’s current throne, the West has rarely looked more competitive. For the Rockets, their window to climb is wide open, and Legler believes they belong among the few who can finish the climb.
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