NBA scout sees Fred VanVleet as key to easing Rockets’ Kevin Durant dependence

The Rockets were “way too reliant” on Kevin Durant last season, according to an anonymous NBA scout. The playoffs made that painfully clear.

Houston lost to the Lakers in six games after Durant injured his ankle, despite Los Angeles playing the entire series without Luka Doncic and most of it without Austin Reaves.

The scout told Sports Illustrated that Fred VanVleet’s return from a torn ACL should provide the secondary creation Houston lacked.

“He’s a better creator,” the scout said when comparing VanVleet to Reed Sheppard, adding that VanVleet is more effective attacking the paint and operating in the pick-and-roll.

Amen Thompson represents the other potential pressure release. Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists last season, although his shooting remains limited.

The scout praised Thompson for not forcing his weaknesses but said he is “probably the one guy” who must make another jump for Houston to reach the next level.

Alperen Sengun received a less flattering assessment. The scout called him a defensive “liability” and questioned lineups featuring Sengun alongside Steven Adams, arguing that opponents can too easily attack the pairing.

None of this means Houston should use Durant less when he is available. He remains its best scorer and the player most capable of carrying the offense through difficult possessions. The objective is to make the Rockets functional when Durant sits or gets hurt.

VanVleet can stabilize the offense. Thompson can become more dangerous. Sengun can improve defensively.

Last postseason showed why Houston needs all three developments. Durant can remain the centerpiece without becoming the entire structure.