logo
For 2025-26 Rockets, Shaq views Kevin Durant as a ‘more consistent Jalen Green'

For 2025-26 Rockets, Shaq views Kevin Durant as a ‘more consistent Jalen Green'

USA Today2 days ago
'Definitely got a closer,' NBA analyst and former superstar Shaquille O'Neal says of Houston's recent trade for Kevin Durant.
Count TNT analyst and former NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal as among those bullish on the Kevin Durant era of the Houston Rockets.
'Definitely got a closer,' O'Neal said of the Durant acquisition. He spoke in an exclusive interview with RG's DJ Siddiqi.
'Should get them higher, higher towards the top,' O'Neal continued. 'I know they let go of Jalen Green, and he carried them last year, but KD is a more consistent Jalen Green. Jalen Green was too up and down for them to get to the next level.'
'Listen, if KD is healthy and shooting the ball well, they can make some noise.'
Last season, in averaging more than 26 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists per game on elite efficiency, Durant earned the 15th All-Star selection of his distinguished career. The future Hall of Famer, former Most Valuable Player (MVP), and two-time NBA Finals MVP and champion turns 37 years old in September.
As for Green (traded to Phoenix in the Durant package), the 23-year-old's inconsistency was on full display during the recently completed 2025 NBA playoffs.
He had a team-high 38 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals in a Game 2 victory over the Golden State Warriors. In that first-round game, he made 13-of-25 shots (52.0%) and 8-of-18 from 3-point range (44.4%).
But in the other six games of the series, Green never exceeded 12 points or 40% shooting. Houston lost four of those six, including a season-ending loss in a winner-take-all Game 7 at home.
With Green as their top perimeter scorer, the Rockets were a good team, as evidenced by their 52-30 record in the regular season and a No. 2 placement in the Western Conference standings. But there were offensive limitations that ultimately got exposed in high-leverage, playoff situations.
The hope is that Durant brings many of the same highs, but without nearly the same lows.
More: Entering 2025 offseason, Rockets urged to 'level up' the offense
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Lakers cut ties with 61.9% shooter in favor of No. 1 scorer in college basketball
Lakers cut ties with 61.9% shooter in favor of No. 1 scorer in college basketball

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Lakers cut ties with 61.9% shooter in favor of No. 1 scorer in college basketball

The Los Angeles Lakers have continued to configure the back portion of their roster. The latest move involves waiving Trey Jemison III. He was on a two-way contract with the Lakers. Jemison signed a two-year two-way contract in January. The 25-year old center shot 61.9% from the field in 22 games with the Lakers. He averaged 2.6 points and 2.8 rebounds. Jemison has played in 63 NBA games, with 10 starts. According to Hoops Rumors, Jemison may be replaced in the two-way category by Eric Dixon. MORE: Chris Paul spurns the Lakers with free agency decision The Villanova star was the No. 1 scorer in college basketball in 2024-25, at 23.3 points per game. The Lakers reportedly signed Dixon to a two-way deal as an undrafted free agent after June's draft, but such a contract has never been officially announced. Now, it looks like Dixon's time may have arrived. Regardless of him, though, Jemison is definitely on the way out. He'll have to find a fresh start elsewhere. MORE NBA NEWS: Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony named greatest college basketball player of the millenium LeBron James trade, buyout rumors take 180-degree turn Victor Wembanyama's real reason for training with Chinese monks revealed Damian Lillard's Portland legacy is officially secure Lakers cut ties with 2 guards to make room for Marcus Smart LeBron reveals his retirement plans

Spurs' summer star makes decision on signing contract in Europe
Spurs' summer star makes decision on signing contract in Europe

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Spurs' summer star makes decision on signing contract in Europe

Playing well at Summer League in Las Vegas doesn't just capture the NBA's attention. Many world scouts are watching the action during the week, meaning contract offers overseas can follow for some basketball journeymen. That's what happened for David Jones-Garcia. The San Antonio Spurs' summer standout received an offer to play for Olympiacos in Greece. Jones-Garcia decided he's staying stateside, though, according to writer Dusty Garza. DJG is coming off an impressive Summer League. He scored 21.3 points per game with 6.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.2 steals per game. He also made 52.9% of his 3-point attempts. MORE: Chris Paul spurns the Lakers with free agency decision Jones-Garcia was undrafted out of Memphis in 2024. DJG is currently a free agent. His Spurs contract was just for the summer, and so that means any NBA team could try to get Jones-Garcia. After how well he played in Vegas, it should only be a matter of time of before Jones-Garcia gets his NBA opportunity. MORE NBA NEWS: Syracuse legend Carmelo Anthony named greatest college basketball player of the millenium LeBron James trade, buyout rumors take 180-degree turn Victor Wembanyama's real reason for training with Chinese monks revealed Damian Lillard's Portland legacy is officially secure Lakers cut ties with 2 guards to make room for Marcus Smart LeBron reveals his retirement plans

Insider: Dalton Knecht's value on the market has fallen
Insider: Dalton Knecht's value on the market has fallen

USA Today

time2 hours ago

  • USA Today

Insider: Dalton Knecht's value on the market has fallen

The Los Angeles Lakers had a stroke of good fortune last summer when they got to take University of Tennessee sharpshooter Dalton Knecht with the No. 17 pick in the NBA draft. Knecht was projected as a top-10 pick by many, and the feeling was that the Lakers got a gem. His rookie season was a rollercoaster. He had a hot streak in November, but he went into a deep freeze afterward and saw his playing time diminish. The wing was then included in the failed trade for Charlotte Hornets center Mark Williams in February, and afterward, observers wondered how he would respond mentally. Knecht's production rose again in March, but he fell out of coach JJ Redick's rotation afterward, and his play during summer league didn't exactly inspire any optimism about how he will do this coming season. He has been involved in multiple trade rumors this summer as Los Angeles has looked to land a 3-and-D wing. But insider Jovan Buha said on a recent episode of "Buha's Block" that Knecht's value on the market has fallen. 'Summer League has not helped Knecht's stock, and I don't think at this point he is valued as a first-round pick, in terms of an asset valuation. That was what I heard in Vegas from talking to multiple people, non-Lakers people, just gauging what would you give for Dalton Knecht? Or if the Lakers are putting Dalton Knecht in a trade, what is he worth? And the feedback I got was, no longer worth a first-round valuation.' How one plays in summer league doesn't necessarily translate to the NBA season, and it is still possible that Knecht shows some definite growth this fall and winter. After all, by his own admission, he has been doing three workouts a day this offseason. But if Lakers fans are expecting him to fetch that missing piece to the championship puzzle this summer, they will likely be disappointed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store