Houston Rockets prepare for second Kevin Durant season amid NBA debates

The Houston Rockets are entering the second season of the Kevin Durant era following a 52-win campaign. Last season, the team's progress was hampered by significant injuries to key players, including Fred VanVleet and Steven Adams, which contributed to a first-round playoff exit against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Separately, former NBA player Iman Shumpert has sparked online debate regarding Durant’s career trajectory. During an episode of ‘Gil’s Arena’, Shumpert suggested that the Cleveland Cavaliers might have won more championships had Durant not joined the Golden State Warriors in 2016. Shumpert alleged that Durant responded to these comments on social media before the post was deleted.