Rockets debut 'tall ball,' but will it be enough to secure Kevin Durant another title?

"We can use our length and size,” Durant said during camp. “Clog the paint up, get offensive rebounds, get out in transition and run."

That size advantage could redefine the Rockets’ identity. Udoka has hinted at emphasizing defense, rebounding and tempo -- a mix that could make Houston a nightmare matchup. Thompson’s athleticism, paired with Smith’s perimeter shooting, gives the Rockets flexibility despite their size. With Şengün’s crafty passing from the elbow and Adams’ physicality inside, Houston could dominate the paint and the glass.

The last dance for Durant

But beyond the tall-ball lineup, the story focuses on Durant, the 37-year-old superstar who still has something to prove after signing what likely will be his last major contract extension. 

After winning two championships with the Warriors, Durant hasn't had success elsewhere in capturing another ring. His Brooklyn Nets tenure imploded, his Phoenix Suns stint fell short, and critics have questioned whether he can lead a team to the top as the unquestioned focal point.

As Charles Barkley has stated, "Can KD win as the bus driver?"

Now in Houston, Durant — who scored 23 points Tuesday — may be staring down his last legitimate shot at adding another title to his résumé. The Rockets’ roster blends young stars and seasoned veterans in a way few of his previous teams have. Udoka’s disciplined system and a defense anchored by Adams could give Durant the structure he has lacked in recent years.

Kevin Durant's legacy

Durant’s legacy is already secure with two Finals MVPs, four scoring titles, an MVP award and 14 All-Star appearances, but fair or not, history tends to separate the great from the immortal by their rings. Winning one without Stephen Curry and the Warriors would silence one of the last lingering narratives around his career.

For Houston, which finished 52-30 last season, the risk and reward are equally massive. The team is betting on its size, experience and Durant’s enduring greatness to vault beyond first-round playoff status. It’s an audacious move in a league that has increasingly favored small-ball lineups and pace-and-space offenses.

Still, the Rockets believe they’ve found the perfect balance between length, versatility and veteran leadership. If this lineup clicks, it could not only dominate the regular season but also shift the league’s approach to team construction.

The grand experiment may not work, but one thing is certain: The Rockets are going big, and Kevin Durant is going for one last big moment.