Kevin Durant’s deal from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets is the biggest move ever in the 2025 offseason.
The Rockets have abandoned Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and one-round picks to win the 36-year-old future Hall of Fame.
Durant is currently the Rockets’ main goal scorer and is expected to take him to at least the Western Conference Finals.
The biggest question mark about his abilities has nothing to do with his skill set, but rather his approach.
Durant had an incredible run with the Oklahoma City Thunder before the successful transition to the Golden State Warriors in 2016.
In the Bay Area, KD won two championships and two final MVPS before departing for Brooklyn Net, eventually becoming team leader.
Unfortunately, things didn’t ring alongside James Harden and Kyrie Irving in Brooklyn, or with Devin Booker and Bradley Beal at the Phoenix Suns.
Now many basketball experts question whether Durant lacks leadership quality, which could stop the rocket from moving forward all the way.
Well, Boston Celtics legend Paul Pierce is fiercely opposed to the story. “Everyone is always talking about KD not the leader, he’s all this… he’s the leader,” Pierce said.
“If I’m a young man and KD is in my practice, I see his work ethic. He sets an example. He puts work in.
“If I’m Amen, I’m working with KD. He’s going to lead by example. He’s getting in there early or late to get shots.
“He’s going to inspire all the young guys in Houston. They’ll have to level them up and I can see what’s going on with him.”
In particular, Amen Thompson should really benefit from playing and training alongside Durant. KD’s biggest attribute (shooting) is the only weakness of Thompson’s already impressive game.
Pierce shared another reason why Durant’s deal on the rocket should go well. He believes Imeudoka is better than Durant’s recent head coach.
“I think that’s a good fit,” Pierce added. “The best part about it is the image over there, this is the best coach he’s played from Steve Kerr.
“It didn’t go well in Phoenix and Brooklyn, but he played for Steve Nash, a young coach he still learned.
“So now he’s got someone who’s a stronger leader who will hold him a bit of responsibility.”
Pierce’s theory makes sense as Udoka becomes the Rockets’ vocal leader, while Durant can be an example in his work ethic and performance level.