Durant: Uduka understands my value and likes the Rockets playing style

September 30, reports from the US media said that today's new season media day, Kevin Durant made his first public debut as a new Rockets player.

In the offseason, the Rockets got KD from the Suns in a heavy trade. “Honestly, I didn’t expect to leave Phoenix so soon, but that’s the essence of the game,” KD said. “He (Uduka) has always been a person who understands my value, my mindset and how I play. Also, it’s important that the coaching staff can make me be myself and understand what I can bring to the team.”

KD admits that the Rockets’ playing style is very attractive to him. "This team has a height advantage, playing fast breaks, breaks through and passes, and switches defenses when defending. Obviously, I want to play basketball in this style, too," Durant said. The Rockets are the fifth team to play for KD since 2019. “It’s really hard to break up with some teams,” KD said. “But for me, the most important thing is to have an impact within the team and build good relationships. It may be tough for me to leave a team every time, but behind the scenes, I have built a lot of great relationships and formed a lifetime of friendship.” As a member of the Rockets, KD said, “I felt very natural when I stepped into this arena as a Rockets player. I just made a lot of great relationships. He is full of respect for the coaching staff, the fan group, the city, and even Texas. The sense of belonging is just right at this moment."

Speaking of his new teammate Amen Thompson, KD said: "He is an all-round player, 6-foot-7 inches tall and amazing athleticism. I don't think we've ever seen this type of player and athleticism. In the NBA, such players are rare and I'm very excited to be able to fight with him."

KD also talked about Shin Kyung. "I have worked with some great big guys who are good at playing their roles, such as defense, quality pick-and-roll, getting work done above the basket, and blocking," KD said. "I think Shin-kyung can not only do that, but also handle the ball like a defender, with such a big guy with multiple abilities, I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of sparks we'll make."