NBA newcomers to watch: For 2025-26 season, ESPN ranks Rockets’ Kevin Durant at No. 1

[ASFN Admin]

In a ranking of the NBA’s top team newcomers, ESPN lists Kevin Durant No. 1 as he approaches his debut season with the Houston Rockets.

“The Rockets made the biggest (offseason) splash, adding a two-time NBA Finals MVP Kevin Durant to a young core that finished second in the Western Conference last season before losing in the opening round (of the playoffs),” ESPN’s Chris Herring and Kevin Pelton write.

Regarding Durant specifically, Herring continues:

Durant, who turns 37 later this month, is the best-known player and lone MVP on this list. The Rockets are hoping he can be the finishing piece for a franchise striving for a third NBA championship. His role in Houston couldn't be clearer. In joining the club that finished dead last in the league in effective field goal rate in the clutch (43.8%) during the regular season, Durant will be expected to serve as a closer and No. 1 option on offense when the going gets tough.

The hope is that Durant’s presence can also make life easier for other young talents on Houston’s roster. Rising stars Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun are obvious candidates, but Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason, and Reed Sheppard could all benefit during the 2025-26 season, as well.

Former Rockets guard Jalen Green, who joined the Phoenix Suns as part of the Durant trade, is ranked as the No. 10 acquisition. Green was Houston’s leading scorer in the 2024-25 regular season before struggling in the team’s first-round series loss.

More: Report: Rockets hoping for Kevin Durant’s presence to boost prospect development

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: NBA newcomers to watch: ESPN ranks Kevin Durant, Rockets at No. 1

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