Ime Udoka Reveals Kevin Durant's Surprise Role With the Houston Rockets

Kevin Durant's two seasons in Phoenix turned out to be incredibly uneventful, and this off-season, it became clear that he wanted out. Unsurprisingly, the Houston Rockets were one of the teams interested, and the young team put all their chips on the table, going all in to chase an NBA Championship with the former MVP.

Only time will tell if that's a good move, but around the league, many believed that Durant's fit in Houston next to Alperen Sengun, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith is perfect. However, bringing in such a big and polarizing personality could also backfire, and that is something that Head Coach Ime Udoka will need to balance with KD's arrival.

Durant has reportedly helped that process according to his Head Coach, who revealed that KD told him he's happy to take a backseat, and wants to fit into what Houston has going, rather than forcing the team to fit in around him.

“He wants to kind of be implemented into the group and people not take a backseat to him. That's his message to a lot of the young guys. Be who you are, continue to grow in those areas, and I'll fit in where we see necessary.”

Last season, the Rockets needed an experienced, go-to scorer to take them over the top, and while they gave up plenty to land Durant, it may be the biggest move this team could have made. Now, with KD looking to supplement the talent that's already there, this team has the potential to be a powerhouse, and even in a loaded Western Conference, they're expected to be contenders in 2025/26.