Sports
The Houston Rockets ended their 2024-25 season with a dramatic push into the playoffs as they became one of the NBA’s surprise packages, but do they need a rookie to take it to the next level?
The Rockets finished second in the Western Conference but came undone in a seven-game series by Steph Curry‘s Golden State Warriors, with their weakness laid bare thanks to the absence of a seasoned superstar capable of anchoring the team in high-pressure moments.
While the team’s core of emerging talents has made Houston one of the most promising franchises in the league, there’s a growing recognition that the roster needs a proven leader to elevate it from potential contenders to championship threats. Could that be Kevin Durant?
According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, Houston is quietly monitoring Durant‘s situation with the Phoenix Suns, where he might be open to relocation after testing seasons.
“For a KD trade to happen, you’re going to need three layers of agreement,” Brian Windhorst told the Brian Windhorst & The Hoops Collective podcast. “One, KD is going to have to want to go to where they send them.
“Two, it’s got to be a deal the Suns are willing to do. Three, there has to be an agreement on KD’s contractual situation going forward.”
All three factors must align for Houston to land Durant, who would immediately fill the veteran leadership void, despite being 36 years old and the Rockets certainly have the assets.
They possess multiple first-round picks, including one via the Suns in 2025 and another in 2029 as well as youngsters like Jabari Smith Jr., Cam Whitmore, Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard, who could be part of a trade package.
Could the Rockets dip into the NBA Draft instead?
However, the Rockets might not want to use up that 2025 first rounder as the NBA Draft Lottery approaches on May 12.
Speculation is rising that the Rockets may strike gold with the top pick, which could give them the rights to select Duke’s Cooper Flagg, who has starred throughout the NCAA in the 2024/25 season.
Windhorst highlighted Houston’s 17% chance at landing in the top four and a 4% chance of drawing the No. 1 pick, thanks to a pick via the Phoenix Suns through the Brooklyn Nets.
Flagg is a highly touted basketball prospect and is projected as the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. A 6-foot-9 forward from Maine, he is known for his elite defensive instincts, versatility, and high basketball IQ. He also excels as a shot-blocker and playmaker.
Flagg is considered a potential franchise cornerstone for any team that lands him, which might spell the door closing in the face of Durant when the news of Houston’s draft spot is revealed on May 12.
This news was originally published on this post .
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Slovácko se chystá na svátek. Z hráčů jde cítit frustrace, ale na Spartu se nám daří, zaznívá
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Slovácko se chystá na svátek. Z hráčů jde cítit frustrace, ale na Spartu se nám daří, zaznívá
„Vnímáme, že to teď není ideální a na hráčích jde cítit frustrace, což je pochopitelné, když se nedaří. V týdnu jsme vložili i trénink zábavnou formou, abychom změnili prostředí, tak jsme trénovali v Kunovickém lese. Situaci každý den řešíme,“ uvedl pro klubovou televizi asistent trenéra Slovácka Darko Šuškavčevič.Jenže teď celek z Uherského Hradiště stane proti soupeři v laufu. Z jedenácti zápasů v této sezoně ztratila Sparta z třiatřiceti možných bodů jen sedm a v tabulce soutěže je druhá o skóre za Slavií, která má ale po sobotní remíze 0:0 se Zlínem o utkání navrch. Na Slovácku doufají, že dokážou navázat na některé nedávné zápasy, kdy dokázali velkého favorita zaskočit a obrat ho o body. To se stalo naposledy loni v srpnu, kdy Slovácko remizovalo 2:2 na Letné.Foto: Sport.czSparta se Slováckem jen remizovala„Vnímáme, že se nám na Spartu daří. Jako hráč si vybavím, když jsme ji před dvaceti lety porazili 2:0. Každý zápas je ale jiný. Musíme to být […]
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Lionel Messi left no doubt on Decision Day.The Argentine icon scored a hat trick in a 5-2 victory over Nashville on Saturday night to wrap up Major League Soccer's Golden Boot award with 29 goals this season.Inter Miami finished third in the Eastern Conference standings and will again face sixth-seeded Nashville starting Friday in the best-of-three opening round of the MLS Cup playoffs.Saturday was the league's traditional Decision Day, the final day of the regular season when the two conferences each played games simultaneously with playoff spots and seeding on the line."The truth is that Leo has been exceptional, as he usually is. I think if anyone had doubts about his regular season, he has cleared them all. He will surely be awarded the MVP," Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano said after the game.The Philadelphia Union had already clinched the […]
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