Kevin Durant has the perfect plan for fitting in with the Rockets

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant for his scoring prowess. It seems the future Hall of Famer is willing to do whatever the team needs.

That's the messaging coming from Ime Udoka. The Rockets' head coach is already close with Durant. He's indicated that they've already communicated about the upcoming season. Best of all, Durant seems like he's willing to play whatever role Udoka asks of 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."

- Ime Udoka on Kevin Durant

That's exactly what Rockets fans want to hear. It shouldn't come as any surprise. Durant is a team-first guy. Here's the question:

Where does Durant fit in?

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Well, he fits in as the team's leading scorer.

To an extent, this is lip service. The Rockets didn't bring Durant in to guard the opposing team's best player. They didn't bring him in as a game-managing floor general. They brought him in to score the most points on the team regularly.

Sure, Durant is aging. He may take a back seat wherever he can in the interest of preserving himself for the postseason. That won't change his fundamental role.

Besides, who would he take a backseat to?

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That answer could vary on a nightly basis.

The most intuitive response is Alperen Sengun. He's likely to be second on the Rockets in points per game. Still, when this team is operating optimally, Sengun should lead in assists. He should act as a playmaking hub for the new-look Rockets.

The team is also hoping that Amen Thompson takes an offensive leap this year. If he's getting to the rim with ease, Durant may operate as a floor spacer for stretches. That said, Thompson's primary responsibilities will still come on the defensive end of the floor.

Otherwise, who knows? If Reed Sheppard is cooking, Durant should - as the kids say - let him cook. If Jabari Smith Jr. has the hot hand, Durant could defer to him at times. The Rockets have no shortage of young talent.

Still, make no mistake - Durant is the new alpha. When asked who the best player of his era is, he's one of three viable answers. If you don't say James, Curry, or Durant, you're deeply confused.

He may be aging, but he's still one of the best scorers in the NBA. Durant will be the Rockets' primary bucket getter in 2025-26:

Even if that's his version of fitting in.