Why Rockets Superstar Kevin Durant DESERVES All-NBA 1st Team Honors + Season Awards Predictions
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In this episode of Locked On Rockets, host Jackson Gatlin makes a passionate case for Kevin Durant earning a spot on the All-NBA First Team despite the Houston Rockets' season-long struggles with injuries and roster instability. Gatlin emphasizes Durant's elite production at age 37—averaging 25.8 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 63.8% true shooting—while also highlighting his durability, having played 76 games. He argues that Durant has compensated for the loss of key contributors like Jalen Green, Dylan Brooks, Fred VanVleet, Steven Adams, and Dorian Finney-Smith, helping the Rockets maintain a 50-29 record despite a tougher Western Conference. Gatlin also discusses other potential honors for Rockets players, including Amin Thompson’s strong case for a first-team All-Defensive selection and Alperen Shengün’s inconsistent but promising season, which may not be enough for an All-NBA nod. The episode concludes with Gatlin’s individual award predictions, including SGA as MVP, Wemby as DPOY, and Khan as Rookie of the Year, while questioning the fairness of the 65-game eligibility rule and calling for a reevaluation of the NBA’s award structure.
Kevin Durant’s 76-game season and elite efficiency at age 37 make a strong case for All-NBA First Team honors.
Durant has effectively replaced multiple lost contributors, helping the Rockets maintain a winning record despite roster adversity.
Amin Thompson is a top-tier defensive player and a strong candidate for All-Defensive First Team.
Alperen Shengün’s inconsistent season makes an All-NBA selection unlikely, but he remains a key piece for future success.
The 65-game eligibility rule is creating unfair outcomes, especially for players like Cade Cunningham and SGA.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Introduction and Club Announcement
Jackson Gatlin introduces the episode and promotes the Everydayer Club, an ad-free subscription service with exclusive fan access and content.
Kevin Durant’s Case for All-NBA First Team
“The Rockets lost Jalen Green and Dylan Brooks in the Kevin Durant trade. Then they lost Fred VanVleet before the season. Then they lost Steven Adams, and they never really got Dorian Finney-Smith... The Rockets last year were 52-30... They're currently sitting at 50-29. They have a chance to beat last year's record, and Kevin Durant by himself has more or less offset the losses of those five players.”
Amin Thompson and Defensive Honors
“If he earns another first team all defensive nod, because he did so last season, if he gets the nod, then he'll become the first rocket since Hakeem Olajuwon to receive back-to-back all NBA first team defensive selections.”
Alperen Shengün and the All-NBA Debate
Gatlin evaluates Alperen Shengün’s inconsistent season and concludes he’s not yet consistent enough for All-NBA consideration, though he remains a promising future candidate.
Individual Award Predictions
“I think that if a rookie is able to play meaningful winning basketball, I think even if the numbers don't jump out quite as much for Khan as they do for Cooper, I think that Khan has been a better, a more winning player in their respective rookie seasons.”
“The Rockets lost Jalen Green and Dylan Brooks in the Kevin Durant trade. Then they lost Fred VanVleet before the season. Then they lost Steven Adams, and they never really got Dorian Finney-Smith... The Rockets last year were 52-30... They're currently sitting at 50-29. They have a chance to beat last year's record, and Kevin Durant by himself has more or less offset the losses of those five players.”
“I think that if a rookie is able to play meaningful winning basketball, I think even if the numbers don't jump out quite as much for Khan as they do for Cooper, I think that Khan has been a better, a more winning player in their respective rookie seasons.”
“If he earns another first team all defensive nod, because he did so last season, if he gets the nod, then he'll become the first rocket since Hakeem Olajuwon to receive back-to-back all NBA first team defensive selections.”
Host
Kevin Durant
person
Amin Thompson
person
Jackson Gatlin
person
SGA
person
Alperen Shengün
person
Wemby
person
Jokic
person
Reed Shepard
person
Jalen Green
person
Cooper Flagg
person
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