Houston Rockets forward Kevin Durant. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

DeMarcus Cousins shares bold prediction for Kevin Durant

By Adam Taylor | Last updated Oct 21, 2025 4:44 PM ET

Despite Fred VanVleet's season-ending injury, the Houston Rockets remain one of the favorites to come out of the Western Conference this season. Ime Udoka has considerable talent and depth at his disposal. Of course, the addition of Kevin Durant during the offseason has certainly helped elevate the team's status as a contender.

Even at age 37, Durant remains one of the most fearsome scorers in the NBA. If he can remain healthy, his presence will be a driving force for the Rockets. Durant should help the Rockets leverage their dominance on the offensive glass (first in the NBA last season) and capitalize on their secondary possessions.

DeMarcus Cousins believes Kevin Durant could win MVP

When appearing on a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s "Run It Back," former NBA center DeMarcus Cousins claimed that Durant could emerge as an MVP candidate in the coming season.

“There’s enough talent on this team to where Kevin Durant can get an MVP at 37,” Cousins said. "...They’re gonna win enough games. I think Kevin Durant can win an MVP this season."

.@boogiecousins believes 37-year-old Kevin Durant will win MVP in his first season as a Houston Rocket .

Agree? @MichelleDBeadle | @ChandlerParsons | @TeamLou23 pic.twitter.com/VPAUObxxCl
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) October 21, 2025

Durant won't need to command an incredibly high usage to be effective in Houston. Instead, he should be able to pick his spots and take high-quality opportunities as a result of the talent around him. Udoka's team has athleticism, skill and physicality, all of which should bring out the best in the future Hall of Famer.

Rockets' double-big will be key to Kevin Durant thriving

Under Udoka, the Rockets have thrived when running lineups with two big men on the floor. Alperen Sengun's versatile skill set makes him an ideal partner for a more physical big man. The impact has been a dominance on the offensive glass and a highly impactful half-court offense.

The only issue for the Rockets has been a lack of elite-level shot-making. Durant solves that issue. Therefore, as long as Sengun continues to develop and evolve as a playmaking hub at the center position, Durant should be free to thrive as a featured scorer.

Durant will be playing in a new type of system for the Rockets. That system should help keep the veteran engaged and impactful throughout the season. And, should Durant help Houston dominate in the West, an MVP may not be out of the question for the aging superstar.

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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