Can Kevin Durant Keep up Healthy Streak for Rockets?

The Houston Rockets acquired Kevin Durant in a trade this offseason, sending Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, and a draft pick to bolster their offense. Durant, a nearly 6-foot-11 elite scorer averaging 26.6 points on 53% shooting recently, provides a significant perimeter threat as a career 39% three-point shooter.

While Durant's presence clearly improves the Rockets, his health and availability are major concerns. Set to turn 37, he has an extensive injury history. Over the past five seasons since recovering from an Achilles injury, he averaged just 55 games played per season, including a low of 35 games in 2020-21.

However, Durant showed a positive trend recently, playing 75 games two seasons ago and 62 games last season. Playing 60-plus games at age 37 would be considered a success for Houston. The Rockets took a gamble by trading young talent for him, banking on his impact when healthy.

The Rockets' strong defensive core and numerous playmakers should lessen the burden on Durant, reducing the need for him to carry the team. The team also appears deep enough to rest Durant frequently during the regular season while still remaining competitive in the Western Conference.

If Durant maintains his health into next year's playoffs, the Rockets could emerge as one of the top contenders in the league.