The Houston Rockets didn’t just wake up one morning and decide to go all-in. Their trade for Kevin Durant wasn’t some impulsive swing at relevance - it was the culmination of years of groundwork, development, and a clear-eyed vision for what this franchise could become. And now, with Durant in the fold, the Rockets aren’t just exciting - they’re a legitimate threat in the Western Conference.
Head coach Ime Udoka spoke candidly this week about the journey that brought Houston to this point. His message?
This team’s rise isn’t just about star power - it’s about alignment. From ownership to the front office to the locker room, everyone is pulling in the same direction.
“We’re all on the same page,” Udoka said. “The progress we’ve taken about developing guys, but at the same time, winning and trying to develop those habits...
Ownership, the front office, the coaches and players. All headed towards the same goal.”
That goal is no longer just player development or culture-building. It’s winning. And the Rockets are doing a lot of that.
With Durant now anchoring the offense, Houston has vaulted into elite territory on both ends of the floor. They currently sit fourth in offensive rating, second in defensive rating, and fifth in points per game - numbers that speak to a team that’s not just talented, but balanced and well-coached. This isn’t just a young team learning how to win - it’s a team that already knows how.
But make no mistake: this version of the Rockets wasn’t built overnight. Durant may be the headline, but the foundation was laid long before he arrived.
Over the past five years, Houston has drafted wisely and patiently. Alperen Şengün, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard - all first-round picks, all key contributors. Each one has developed under the watchful eye of a coaching staff that’s prioritized both growth and accountability.
And just as importantly, the Rockets surrounded those young players with veterans who know how to win. Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks brought more than just experience - they brought a mentality.
A toughness. A sense of what it takes to compete every night in the NBA.
That blend of youth and experience is what’s made this team so dangerous, so quickly.
The front office has also been deliberate when it comes to contract decisions. They’ve shown a willingness to extend their young talent when the time is right - a sign of belief in the players they’ve developed and the culture they’ve built. While Tari Eason’s restricted free agency still looms, there’s little doubt that the Rockets see him as part of their long-term plans.
This season, the Rockets are finally seeing the return on their investment - not just in terms of wins, but in identity. They’ve gone from a rebuilding team with potential to a powerhouse with purpose. And while Durant’s arrival has accelerated that timeline, it’s the years of planning and patience that made this leap possible.
Udoka’s message is clear: this isn’t a fluke. This is what happens when an organization commits to a vision and sees it through. The Rockets didn’t just trade for a superstar - they built the kind of team a superstar would want to join.
And now, with the Western Conference fully on notice, Houston isn’t just chasing the top - they’re ready to claim it.