ESPN highlights exactly why Rockets fans should be ecstatic to see Kevin Durant

As the 2025-26 NBA season opens, almost no fanbase has more reason to be excited than that of the Houston Rockets, whose blockbuster acquisition of superstar Kevin Durant this offseason could propel them directly into championship contention.

Moreover, Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton at ESPN have wholeheartedly reiterated the impact of this trade in Houston, listing Durant as the most impactful newcomer on any NBA squad this season.

Although the offseason has been relatively slow as far as splash moves are concerned, lots of difference-making NBA players have changed teams this summer, and Herring and Pelton's takes on Durant signify just how big of an impact he can have on the ascending Rockets' offense.

Kevin Durant will be the most impactful new acquisition in the NBA this season

Herring, in elaboration on the duo's choice to put Durant first on their ranking, wrote that Durant's "role in Houston couldn't be clearer," going on to say that, given the team's struggles in clutch minutes last season, "Durant will be expected to serve as a closer and No. 1 option on offense when the going gets tough."

On a list that includes Desmond Bane, whose marskmanship can make the Orlando Magic dangerous in a wide-open East, and Cam Johnson, who might be able to give Nikola Jokic the support he needs to drag the Denver Nuggets back to the finals, this is very high praise for Durant.

At the same time, however, it is difficult to understate just how important Durant's presence will be for the Rockets' chances at contention this season.

As he approaches age 37, Durant is still essentially at the height of his offensive game, even if it's not quite as flashy as it was in Oklahoma City and Golden State. Last season, through 62 games, he averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 43% from 3-point range 52.7% from the field in general.

More importantly, Durant is still a highly efficient mid-range shooter and can be the team's go-to scorer in the clutch, allowing players such as Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson to capitalize off of the gravity and attention that Durant will draw in these moments.

Moeover, the Rockets have 28 nationally televised games this season (compared to the 11 they were granted last season), signifying a building anticipation not only for Durant but for what this team can be with him on the roster.

Now, as national media shows love to the Durant-Houston marriage, fans have even more reason to be ecstatic about this coming season for the Rockets.