Kevin Durant is not the Houston Rockets’ best player, ‘I don’t think there’s any question’, claims Chris Broussard

Chris Broussard credits Alperen Sengun’s 39-point performance over Kevin Durant’s debut

Following the game, NBA analyst Chris Broussard stated that Durant isn’t even the Rockets’ best player.

That distinction belongs to Alperen Sengun, who scored 39 points with 11 rebounds and seven assists against the Thunder.

“Sengun’s their best player, I don’t think there’s any question about that, he’s their best player clearly,” Broussard declared.

“Him adding the three-point shot, he must have worked on that in the offseason,” he added, noting Sengun’s improved perimeter shooting after he made five out of his eight threes.

Houston Rockets face challenge integrating Kevin Durant while addressing playmaking void

Broussard also believes the Rockets, particularly head coach Ime Udoka, must determine how to optimize Durant’s usage.

Durant played primarily as a shooting guard during the game, which appeared to limit his effectiveness, particularly from three-point range.

“At times I felt like they had him sitting out by the three-point line, they have to figure out where their pieces fit,” Broussard stated.

The Rockets already struggled with a lack of playmaking depth, and now they must also solve how to maximize Durant’s abilities to compete among the Western Conference’s elite teams.

Sengun’s dominant performance provides optimism that the Rockets have star-level talent, but figuring out how Durant complements rather than conflicts with their emerging center will determine whether this partnership elevates Houston into legitimate contention.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​