HOUSTON – In the closing moments of a tight game, the basketball world expects the ball to be in the hands of a future Hall of Famer. Yet, early in this Houston Rockets season, Kevin Durant has often been the fourth option in clutch situations—a stat that would be blasphemy in most NBA cities. But for Durant, this isn’t a sign of decline or dysfunction; it’s a calculated and empowering leadership strategy, one he openly describes as the antithesis of a “dictator.”
Despite a 1-2 record, the Rockets have been one of the league’s more intriguing teams. Their two losses came by a combined five points (one in double-overtime to the defending champion Thunder), and their lone win was a 28-point demolition. Their +7.7 point differential suggests a team much better than its record. The central narrative, however, has been the usage rates in clutch minutes, where Durant (17.0%) trails Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengun, and Jabari Smith Jr.
The “Anti-Dictator” Philosophy
On The Pivot Podcast, Durant was directly asked about taking a backseat to less-proven teammates. His response was a masterclass in veteran leadership.
“I never liked dictators,” Durant stated. “I always felt like it was better to empower everybody around you… to reach for the best version of themselves.”
He acknowledges the inherent growing pains in this approach. “In the process of them doing that, it’s going to be some bumpy roads along the way.” However, he made it clear that his deference is a choice, not a permanent concession. “There’s going to come a time when I have to dictate. ‘Alright, you sit in the corner… and let me get the ball.’ There are going to be times where I’ll have to do that.”
Striking the Delicate Balance
Durant articulated the challenge of integrating a superstar into a young, developing core. He is consciously trying to balance two competing needs: fostering the growth of his young teammates while simultaneously establishing a winning structure.
“I’m still striking a balance of ‘Alright, we need to let everybody grow and figure out their roles’ and still at the same time, we’ve got to have a structure… that we can fall back on,” Durant explained. He views this process of discovery—figuring out roles, when to be aggressive, and when to facilitate—as the most enjoyable part of the season-long journey.
Kevin Durant’s approach with the Rockets is a long-term investment. By empowering Amen Thompson, Alperen Şengun, and Jabari Smith Jr. in high-leverage moments now, he is accelerating their development and building their confidence. The occasional costly turnover or missed shot in November is viewed as the price for a more battle-tested, versatile, and dangerous team in April.
This is not a passive superstar ceding his throne. It is a savvy veteran strategically building up the players around him, trusting that this empowerment will forge a more resilient and complete contender when it truly matters. For a Rockets team with championship aspirations, these early-season lessons, guided by Durant’s unique leadership, could prove invaluable.