Rockets have put Kevin Durant in the absolute perfect position to succeed

As the Houston Rockets defeated the Orlando Magic in an overtime thriller over the weekend, the magnificent shotmaking of superstar scorer Kevin Durant was yet again on full display, and, as the team continues to succeed in almost every way imagineable, Durant has been the driving factor behind their ability to close games.

Yet, the Rockets also deserve credit for the position in which they've put Durant, and according to Tim MacMahon on Monday's episode of The Hoop Collective, his status as an undeniable scorer has been leveraged about as well as it could be by the team so far this season.

"[Kevin Durant] is still an elite scorer in year 19... and now he is in a situation in Houston where he just fills this glaring void as a go-to guy. He is off to an incredible start."

Tim MacMahon

Kevin Durant is not only a star but one with a serious supporting cast in Houston

When the Rockets made the move for Durant, there was justifiable concern that, given the team's offensive struggles last season, they would become overly dependent on their new star to keep their offense afloat. Suffice to say, Durant's supporting cast has prevented that from becoming the reality.

Durant has been incredible this season, averaging 25.9 points, 4.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 51% from the field through the team's first 12 games.

Yet, it is, at least in part, because his role is so clearly defined that he has been able to be so effective.

Take their victory over the Magic, for example. Durant led the team in scoring, and he hit massive shots in both the first quarter and overtime to ultimately lead them to victory.

Yet, the reason the Rockets were even in that game in the first place was the performance of their defense in limiting Orlando's struggling offense. Moreover, Alperen Sengun, who posted 30 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists on the night, was there to relieve some of the pressure that the Magic were placing on Durant in isolation.

Therefore, Durant does not need to be everything for this team. As one of the most effective and lethal scorers in the history of the NBA, he is best suited for a role in which he can take games over when it matters most, and, so far, Houston has given him the support he has needed to do so.

Now, Durant's willingness to be traded to Houston makes perfect sense. Not only could it prolong Durant's legendary performance into the final stages of career, it could grant him another ring to add to his Hall of Fame resume.