The data that 'obliges' Houston Rockets to fight for the ring after signing Kevin Durant

The 2025/26 preseason is not one of the busiest in NBA history, with the Houston Rockets making the most talked-about move. According to the traditional annual general manager survey published by NBA.com, an overwhelming 73% of respondents chose the trade of Kevin Durant to the Texans as the acquisition that will have the biggest impact in the upcoming season.

In a distant second place is Desmond Bane's arrival at the Orlando Magic, with 17% of the votes. It is worth noting that general managers cannot vote for their own team, so one of those few remaining votes could have been from Rafael Stone, the head of management in Houston.

Durant, who continues to accumulate accolades on his way to the Hall of Fame, was selected for the fifteenth time in the All-Star Game last season. At 37 years old, the veteran forward remains an elite scorer, as efficient as he is decisive, and on paper, he fits perfectly into a Texan team that excelled in defensive solidity but showed offensive deficiencies in the previous season.

In that same general managers survey, Durant finished third (17%) in the voting for best small forward in the league and second (also 17%) in the category asking which player they would trust to take the decisive shot in a game. Additionally, he received mentions in the most versatile player in the NBA category, an acknowledgment that reflects his longevity and ability to adapt to different roles on the court.

The complete survey of general managers can be found on the league's official portal, but the clearest data is that the Houston move has captured all the attention. With Durant as the new figure, the team hopes to take a definitive leap towards the Western Conference elite.

KD's Debut with the Rockets

As for his performance on the court, Durant's debut with the Rockets in the 2025-26 preseason left excellent impressions. The veteran displayed his usual precision and leadership, confirming that he remains a formidable offensive force. He is expected to return to action when Houston resumes their preparation games on Tuesday night against the New Orleans Pelicans, providing a new opportunity to witness the beginning of an era that promises to transform the franchise.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, El dato que "obliga" a Houston Rockets a luchar por el anillo tras fichar a Kevin Durant