Kevin Durant and Rockets All-Tall Starting 5 Trade Sparks Top Memes and Reactions

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Kevin Durant and Rockets All-Tall Starting 5 Trade Sparks Top Memes and Reactions

The Houston Rockets have stirred excitement on social media by unveiling their all-tall starting lineup for the upcoming NBA season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder. This unique lineup features five players, all measuring at least 6’7″. The average height of the starters is an impressive 6’10.2″.

Rockets’ All-Tall Starting Lineup

The Rockets’ starting five includes:

Steven Adams
Alperen Şengün
Jabari Smith Jr.
Kevin Durant
Amen Thompson

This combination of height has generated extensive discussion on social media platforms such as X. Fans have created various memes that highlight the size advantage of the Rockets compared to other NBA teams.

Mixed Reactions from Fans

While many reacted positively to the new lineup, some fans expressed skepticism. Critics pointed out concerns about the Rockets’ ability to compete against top players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Stephen Curry. Both stars have previously posed challenges for the Rockets, with Curry’s Warriors eliminating them from the playoffs last season.

Rockets’ Recent Performance

Last season marked a turning point for the Rockets, as they ended a four-year playoff drought with a commendable 52-30 record. Despite an early exit from the postseason, the team aimed to build on this momentum during the offseason.

Acquisition of Kevin Durant

The key offseason move was the acquisition of Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns, a future Hall of Famer. Initially, the Rockets planned to feature a lineup that included Durant alongside Fred VanVleet, Şengün, Smith, and Thompson. However, the recent ACL injury to VanVleet complicated their plans.

Strategic Changes Ahead

With VanVleet sidelined, head coach Ime Udoka is facing a significant challenge. Instead of slotting in Reed Sheppard or Aaron Holiday at point guard, Udoka has opted for a bold strategy. He has designated Amen Thompson as the primary ball-handler, following Thompson’s strong performance in the previous season.

The Rockets are now assessing whether their all-tall lineup possesses sufficient ball-handling and shooting capabilities to succeed. If results do not meet expectations, Udoka has indicated the willingness to make further adjustments as the season progresses.