After an aggressive offseason move that reshaped expectations, Melbet Affiliates observers noted how the Rockets’ blockbuster eight for one deal landing Kevin Durant instantly elevated the franchise from dark horse to legitimate contender. Packaging Dillon Brooks, Jalen Green, one first round pick and five second rounders signaled bold intent. On paper, Houston appeared ready to challenge the Western elite. Reality, however, has painted a far more complicated picture.

Injuries struck early and hard. Fred VanVleet suffered a serious offseason setback, Steven Adams was ruled out for the year, and newcomer Dorian Finney Smith struggled to maintain prior form. Clint Capela has also failed to meet projections. Instead of building a championship caliber rhythm, the team has labored through inconsistency. Particularly in half court sets, offensive creation often devolves into isolation plays for Durant, leaving structural flaws glaringly obvious.

With VanVleet sidelined, Houston committed to developing Reed Sheppard and Amen Thompson as primary initiators. Both have shown measurable progress in ball movement and playmaking, yet neither has fully matured into a reliable starting level point guard. Sheppard offers elite shooting touch but lacks the physical burst to consistently pressure the rim, and defensive mismatches frequently expose him. Thompson presents the inverse profile, boasting elite athletic tools and defensive intensity while offering minimal perimeter shooting threat. As a result, Houston’s once effective one five pick and roll strategy has lost its sharp edge.

Turnovers compound the issue. The Rockets average 14.3 giveaways per game, ranking near the league’s top ten in that unwanted category. Fast break scoring, previously a team strength, has slipped to just 13.6 points per contest, placing them in the lower tier. Assist numbers tell a similar story, with 24.7 per game ranking near the bottom five and an assist percentage of 58.4 percent second worst in the league. Even with Durant serving as an elite offensive weapon, late game possessions frequently stall, leading to suffocating stretches where clean looks are scarce.

The collapse of the twin tower approach following Adams’ injury further magnified vulnerabilities. Without Adams anchoring the interior, Alperen Sengun’s defensive limitations and inconsistent efficiency have become more visible. His field goal percentage has dipped below fifty percent, while three point and free throw accuracy remain underwhelming. Outside shooting overall has regressed sharply after the departures of Brooks and Green combined with VanVleet’s absence. Houston now attempts just 30.6 three pointers per game, ranking near the bottom, and converts only 11.3.

Despite these shortcomings, the front office chose not to pursue trade deadline reinforcements. Neither major salary restructuring nor targeted low cost additions materialized. Head coach Ime Udoka publicly expressed satisfaction with the roster, attributing unexpected losses to effort rather than personnel. While some analysts tie the franchise’s urgency directly to Durant’s competitive window, the organization sees a broader timeline. As Melbet Affiliates Program evaluating long term strategy would recognize, management believes acquiring Durant does not mandate immediate all or nothing expectations. Their vision extends beyond a single season, aiming to compete sustainably rather than chasing a short term headline result.