Rockets legend gives Kevin Durant deal a ringing endorsement

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in a deal that most agree was fantastic. That said, it's impossible to please everyone.

There will always be detractors. Some Rockets fans feel that the Rockets shortchanged their future by parting with Jalen Green. They'd prefer a slower approach towards title contention.

That's fair. There are downsides to every NBA decision. All that varies is how individuals weigh those downsides against the upsides. Some people won't like the Durant deal, while others will love it.

You can include a Rockets legend in that group.

Rockets legend gives Durant ringing endorsement

Perhaps Rudy Tomjanovich is drawn to Durant's championship pedigree. We all know he'd never underestimate the heart of a champion.

“I’m very excited. One of the greatest players of all time coming in…I think this mix is gonna be perfect…He’ll fit in beautifully.”

- Rudy Tomjanovich on Kevin Durant

It's hard to argue. No matter how you feel about the Durant acquisition, he's a perfect fit. The Rockets needed a closer, and Durant is one of the best in NBA history.

Besides, it's unlikely that you know basketball better than Rudy Tomjanovich.

He's the best coach in Rockets history by a large margin. Tomjanovich ushered the Rockets to back-to-back championships in the 90s. Those were the organization's glory years.

Could Durant help them relive them?

Rockets are closer to title contention than they've been in a while

The back-to-back titles were the best years in Rockets history. They weren't the only good ones. It wasn't so long ago that the team was on the cusp of championship glory.

If not for Chris Paul's busted hamstring, everything could be different today. During the James Harden era, the Rockets got close. Unfortunately, close only counts in hand grenades and horseshoes. The situation got crazy. It couldn't be fixed, Harden departed, and the Rockets fell short of their goals.

Most Rockets fans aren't lamenting. The team has once again put themselves in a wonderful position. The Rockets have a surplus of young talent, an excess of draft capital, and now, they've got Kevin Durant.

That's the main reason why fans don't need to worry. If things go south and Durant deteriorates, the Rockets are still in a good position.

Tomjanovich likely isn't thinking about the future. He's thinking like a coach, not a general manager. It's indisputable that Durant makes the Rockets a better team in 2025. That alone doesn't make it a great deal unless Durant leads the Rockets to a title:

But don't underestimate him.