The Houston Rockets have traded for Kevin Durant, nevertheless it doesn’t make them a championship contender straightaway.
Within the 2024-25 season, the Houston Rockets completed because the second seed within the Western Convention with a 52-30 file.
Nevertheless, after dealing with a first-round postseason exit, the Rockets determined to commerce for Kevin Durant in change for Jalen Inexperienced, Dillon Brooks, No. 10 decide in 2025 NBA Draft, and a further 5 future second-round draft picks.
Certain, the Rockets’ potential beginning 5 with Durant would look wonderful, however former NBA star Gilbert Arenas believes it nonetheless wouldn’t make them an NBA title contender within the loaded West.
Agent Zero is understood for his scorching scorching takes on the NBA. Arenas delivered simply that in an look on The Dan Patrick Present.
When requested if the Rockets are an NBA Championship contender with Durant, Arenas felt just like the crew just isn’t prepared but.
“I don’t suppose they’re prepared for that but, their video games are usually not mature. [Alperen] Sengun nonetheless thinks he’s [Nikola] Jokic, once you’re Sengun.
“You guys have completely different video games, however it’s a must to perceive what you’re good at, cease making an attempt to be Jokic. So, he’s nonetheless making an attempt to determine what his recreation is,” Arenas mentioned.
Gil wasn’t accomplished, as he additionally identified how Amen Thompson is but to seek out an identification within the NBA.
“Identical factor with Amen [Thompson]. Amen’s making an attempt to determine what his recreation is. We all know, you’re a freak of nature. We all know you’re a two-way participant, however you actually must carve out your identification.
“With so many items making an attempt to determine who they’re, I don’t know in the event that they’re going to be an actual contender, however they do have Kevin Durant,” Arenas concluded.
Going again to Arenas’ level about Alperen Sengun being in comparison with Denver Nuggets famous person Nikola Jokic, the Rockets star has even earned the nickname of ‘Child Jokic.’
Sengun addressed this comparability throughout a January 26, 2024, episode of JJ Redick’s ‘The Previous Man and The Three’ podcast.
“No, it doesn’t trouble me for now. I’m nonetheless younger! However after some level, yeah… They imply that my recreation is just like his however after I develop up, I don’t need to hear that,” Sengun boldly said.
Getting in comparison with an NBA champion and a 3x NBA MVP is not any small deal, however Sengun certainly desires to carve out his personal identification as he features expertise within the league.
Regardless of Sengun issuing this assertion, it’s secure to say Arenas doesn’t really feel just like the Rockets star has succeeded in getting out of Jokic’s shadow, at the very least for now.
Will the 2025-26 NBA season be any completely different whereas enjoying alongside Durant? Solely time will inform.
