Rockets' biggest issue disappears with Kevin Durant

The Houston Rockets have been missing a "closer". The elusive perimeter talent who can generate buckets from scratch when the rubber meets the road. Now, they've got one of the best closers in NBA history.

Who can score outside of the team concept as reliably as Kevin Durant? When an opponent has figured out your system and how to optimally defend it, and you need to score, what more could you ask for than a 7'0" wing with some of the purest shooting mechanics we've ever seen?

So, the Rockets have their closer. That answers their biggest question heading into 2025-26, along with solving their biggest issue. That said, there are still questions surrounding this team:

How does Durant fit into his new squad?

Rockets look like contenders with Durant in lineup

Let's start with the Rockets' presumed starting lineup and depth chart.

Rockets' new depth chart

C: Alperen Sengun / Steven Adams / Jock Landale

PF: Jabari Smith Jr. / Tari Eason / Jeff Green

SF: Kevin Durant / Tari Eason / Jae'Sean Tate

SG: Amen Thompson / Cam Whitmore / Reed Sheppard

PG: Fred VanVleet / Reed Sheppard / Aaron Holiday

This depth chart operates from some assumptions. The Athletic has reported that this is the probable starting lineup. I'm assuming that will be the case.

It also assumes no other roster changes. Frankly, I'm not personally making that assumption. The Rockets should bolster their backcourt depth, and Landale's contract could be handy for trade purposes. That said, without knowing what changes could be on the horizon, it's an operating assumption.

Finally, it assumes the team brings Tate, Green and Holiday back. Who knows whether that will be the case, but again, without knowing what's to come, it's the safest assumption.

Otherwise, this is likely a solid approximation of what the Rockets will look like in 2024-25. Taking that assumption, let's get to the real fun:

What kinds of lineups can the Rockets roll out with Durant in the mix?

Rockets create several intriguing lineups with the addition of Durant

Do you like versatility? Of course you do. It seems the Rockets like versatility as well. There's no shortage of intriguing lineups they can run with Durant on the roster. How about a switch-everything, five-out look?

C: Jabari Smith Jr.

PF: Kevin Durant

SF: Tari Eason

SG: Cam Whitmore

PG: Amen Thompson

Whitmore needs some seasoning, but if he can improve his defensive awareness, that's a formidable look. That said, the Rockets have been leaning into size. Could Durant unlock some new double-big lineups?

C: Steven Adams

PF: Alperen Sengun

SF: Jabari Smith Jr

SG: Kevin Durant

PG: Amen Thompson

Frightening. Feel free to substitute VanVleet in for Thompson if you want spacing. It kills the "everyone is positionally huge" concept, but the surplus size inoculates the smaller VanVleet.

This experiment could continue. Durant is one of the most versatile, portable stars in the NBA. So, the Rockets have increased what was already some of the league's best flexibility:

And they solved their biggest issue in the process.