The Rockets find themselves in a bit of a pickle as March rolls on, with consistency proving elusive. Sitting fourth in the West and sporting an 8-6 record since the All-Star break, they’re gearing up to face the Lakers tonight. But it’s not just about the numbers; there’s more brewing beneath the surface.
The buzz around Kevin Durant’s burner account saga has stirred up questions about team chemistry. Even Vernon Maxwell, a Rockets legend, sees the cracks. During his appearance on 'All the Smoke' with Matt Barnes, Maxwell didn’t hold back, highlighting the team’s struggles just 15 games shy of the playoffs.
Maxwell pointed out the reliance on Durant, saying, “We got KD, but now everyone’s just watching him. It’s like the team’s split, no one’s connecting anymore.” His words echo those of Kendrick Perkins, Durant’s former teammate, who also noted a dip in chemistry since the controversy.
Despite the drama, Durant, at 37, is putting up impressive numbers-averaging 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists, with shooting splits that any player would envy. Yet, Maxwell believes the team’s stagnation is overshadowing Durant’s efforts.
Durant himself acknowledged he’s shouldering too much, hinting at the need to trust teammates like Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr., Alperen Sengun, and Reed Sheppard more. The real issue seems to be establishing a clear pecking order.
Take a leaf out of the Lakers’ playbook: LeBron, at 41, has adapted to a new role, allowing others to shine. The Rockets could benefit from a similar approach, letting Reed Sheppard or Amen Thompson handle the ball more. This could keep defenses guessing and maximize the inside-outside threat they pose.
With floor spacers like Jabari Smith Jr. and Durant, the young guards have the perfect setup to exploit opposing defenses. The Rockets must remember their roots-built on young talent since the Harden era-and not become complacent just because they have a superstar in Durant.
The focus should be on leveraging Durant’s presence to open up opportunities for the younger players. This is their moment to step up, and who knows? One of them might just become the franchise’s future star after Durant.
With 15 games left in the regular season, it’s crunch time for the Rockets to iron out these issues before the playoffs loom large. The clock’s ticking, and it’s time for the young guns to prove their mettle.