Forgotten Kevin Durant effect could help save the Rockets' season

As the Houston Rockets attempt to cope with the loss of starting point guard Fred VanVleet this season, emerging young wing Amen Thompson will be asked to take on an entirely new role as a primary offensive facilitator for the team.

However, according to Rockets' analyst Paulo Alves, on the recent episode of the Rockets LaunchPod podcast, the presence of Kevin Durant, and the spacing he provides to their starting lineup, could allow Thompson to unleash the decison-making powers that have emerged in his first two years in the NBA.

In the absence of VanVleet, such a development from Thompson would be massive for Houston's championship hopes, and, apart from just bringing superstar-caliber scoring, Durant could provide this for the team as well.

Kevin Durant could provide vital spacing for the Rockets' starting lineup

Undoubtedly, when VanVleet went down, fans and analysts alike knew that it was going to be a struggle to replace his production. Last season, through 60 games, VanVleet averaged 5.7 assists per 36 minutes on the court, and, at times, he was wholly responsible for any semblance of half-court offense the Rockets could cobble together.

This season, however, the organization is hopeful that Thompson can provide this production in a different way, and Alves believes that Durant's presence could be the key to him doing so: "Not only do I think there's a massive step with the handle, I think he's going to absolutely feast on the gravity that [Durant] has, especially because of how good he is as a decision maker..."

In bringing in Durant through a trade this offseason, the organization knew that they were bringing in the final piece that could elevate them into genuine championship contention. Through 62 games last season with the Phoenix Suns, Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds and 4.2 assists while earning his 15th nod to the All-Star Game.

Yet, more importantly, he shot a remarkable 43% from 3-point range: a number that the Rockets will need to remain consistent given their relative lack of perimeter shooters in their rotation.

Although Houston had multiple capable 3-point shooters on the roster last season, they had no one that commanded the respect that Durant does, and his mere presence on the court could open up passing lanes for Thompson, alleviating some of the defensive pressure he has faced in the past when he has attempted to be a facilitator.

Through the team's first two preseason games, Thompson amassed nine assists, and, as they dive headfirst into the season, this will be a major storyline to watch as a gauge for the Rockets' offensive ceiling.