The Houston Rockets’ rebuild and relaunch has been years in the making. The dark stretch that saw 177 regular season losses across three seasons from 2020 to 2023 is finally behind them. Enter head coach Ime Udoka, and suddenly the fortunes of the franchise began to change. The Rockets have returned to prominence, now showcased in prime television slots, opening the season on NBC’s Peacock against defending champion Oklahoma City and appearing on Christmas night against the Lakers under the bright lights of Hollywood.
The turning point came on June 22 when Kevin Durant arrived in Houston as part of a seven-team blockbuster trade involving multiple players and draft picks. At 37, Durant is no ordinary veteran. He’s a 15-time All-Star, a member of the NBA’s 75th Anniversary team, a two-time champion with the Warriors, and an all-time scoring great who has also collected four Olympic gold medals. His résumé is unmatched, but one more championship—this time as the undisputed centerpiece—would elevate him to a new level, placing him alongside Larry Bird, Dwyane Wade, and James Worthy with three rings.
signing off from day 1 😁 pic.twitter.com/AO3LkiDCuD
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) October 1, 2025
The challenge is formidable. Last season only a single game separated Oklahoma City, Denver, and Minnesota atop the Western Conference. To secure the top seed, the Rockets may need to reach 60 wins. Former coach and current broadcaster P.J. Carlesimo sized up the situation: “Ime’s Rockets will again be at the top of a loaded Western Conference. Fred VanVleet will be missed on many levels, but their defense and wealth of young talent, combined with the league’s best closer in Kevin Durant, will ensure that they remain elite.”
Houston’s basketball history is filled with missed chances. From Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, to James Harden and Dwight Howard, to Chris Paul orchestrating the offense, none of those eras ended in a title. Fans have been waiting since 1995, when Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler delivered back-to-back championships, to celebrate another parade. Now the franchise turns to Kevin Durant. If he can finish the job in Houston, the Rockets’ long wait will end, and his career will be complete.
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