16-8! Sorry Durant! He is actually the Rockets' true number one star.

To determine the leader of a team, it’s quite straightforward: just observe who controls the crucial shots.

In the recent Rockets’ 128-133 defeat against the last-place Pelicans in the West, Durant had almost no opportunity to unleash his deadly finishing in the clutch, forced to watch helplessly as his teammates threw away the victory, with his entire demeanor exuding visible frustration and disappointment.

According to Rockets reporter Kelly Iko’s stats: Durant’s usage rate in clutch moments this season (last 5 minutes with a score difference within 5 points) is only 16.9%, ranking behind Sengun (31.4%), Aaron Holiday (25.0%), and Amen (17.5%).”

Speaking of which, the Rockets made a big splash this offseason by acquiring Durant from the Suns, presumably to have him appear as the “grim reaper” in clutch moments. But the reality is as stated above—he’s only the fourth option...

Undeniably, Durant remains the Rockets’ strongest player, averaging 25.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block per game this season, with shooting percentages of 51.3% and 42%. However, at 37 years old, his status might be overshadowed by the 23-year-old Sengun (averaging 23.7 points, 9.5 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1 block), and the team has to consider the future.

Trying to have both the present and the future might lead to losing everything,This season, the Rockets hold a 16-8 record, ranking fifth in the West, two wins behind the fourth-place Lakers and only 2.5 games ahead of the seventh-place Suns.

Therefore, the Rockets may need to make a choice: if prioritizing the future, continue with Sengun leading the team and Durant in a supporting role; if aiming for the championship this season, either let Durant carry the team or, as rumored, trade Sengun for Giannis.

Durant is underutilized on the Rockets, the Lakers are no longer LeBron’s (40 years old) team, and Curry (37) can no longer save the Warriors by himself.

No one can resist the passage of time; decline is inevitable, only the timing varies.

Today’s NBA has quietly undergone a generational shift, with youth now dominating the league.

“Youth glanced back at me, as if bidding me farewell.”