Draft guru shares surprising Kevin Durant truth that should excite Rockets fans

As the Houston Rockets prepare to attempt to mount a deep playoff run this season, they have already been stricken a massive blow by the devastating injury to Fred VanVleet, and it has become clear that only one thing can stop them from being dominant this season: injuries.

Yet, despite their new star, Kevin Durant's, advanced age, he has been relatively healthy over the past two seasons, and, although he will certainly miss a chunk of games, his availability will be the X-Factor that could define the Rockets' season.

Even at age 37, Durant is still at the top of his game, having averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 43% from 3-point range last season, and his ability to put up these numbers on a consistent basis this season could elevate Houston into genuine title contention.

Kevin Durant has been relatively healthy over the past couple seasons despite his age and injury history

Sam Vecenie, on the latest episode of The Game Theory Podcast, discussed the general perception surrounding Durant's health, claiming that the last few seasons could be misleading as to his availability as he nears the end of his career: "If you look a the big, six-year sample of Kevin Durant, there is a lot of time missed on the court... but, over the last two years, has actually played 137 out of the combined 164 possible games."

Durant, who is one of the first players to return to the level that he did after suffering an Achilles tear, certainly still presents some health risks. Last season in Phoenix, Durant missed 20 games as a result of various ankle injuries he endured: a series of absences that were just enough to keep the Suns out of the play-in mix entirely.

However, as Vecenie points out, the Rockets must expect Durant to miss 15-20 games throughout the course of the season, for rest and various injuries, and still expect him to be available when it matters most based on his recent history.

Houston has such a deep and versatile rotation, with Tari Eason and Dorian Finney-Smith leading their bench unit frontcourt, that they can still field a strong starting lineup even if Durant needs to miss time.

While their offense will certainly take a hit when he is absent, given the gravity he possesses when he is on the court, the team should have enough firepower to overcome any short-term absences Durant needs to take.

While a lengthy absence could be ultimately disastrous, Vecenie points out that Durant's health has largely remained intact as he nears the end of his career, and Rockets fans have reason to be optimistic about his availability this season.