Kevin Durant's success (or lack of it) in Houston could alter how fans view him

Kevin Durant's legacy at the University of Texas and in the NBA will not change, no matter what he does. However, fans might have a few more question marks about the legendary basketball player after his latest move to the Houston Rockets.

Yes, Durant is a two-time NBA Champion and a two-time NBA Finals MVP. However, those two accomplishments happened nearly a decade ago, and since then, Durant's tenures on various teams haven't been all that impressive.

This is not to say that Durant has been playing poorly, by any means. He has still made the NBA All-Star team every year and has made multiple appearances on the All-NBA Second Team. Yet, if you're a player fighting to cement yourself as one of the greatest of all time, failing to secure another ring (or even an appearance in the Finals) leaves something to be desired from your career.

After his highly successful stint with the Warriors, where he won his two rings, Durant was traded to the Brooklyn Nets, where the chemistry with his teammates wasn't just lacking, it was hostile at times.

Failing to find any real success in New York, Durant was then traded to the Phoenix Suns, who had just made it to the NBA Finals in 2021, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks. Once again, Durant failed to find any success, and there were numerous reports of unhappiness in the Suns' locker room, a lot of people outside of the organization pointing fingers at Durant and the Phoenix coaching staff.

Now, the Longhorn legend is back in Texas, but it may not be a happy ending just because he's back (close) to his old stomping grounds.

Pressure on Durant to get a title with Houston is unimaginable

The Rockets are in a drought; there is no denying that fact. It has been three decades since the team last made it to the NBA Finals, which they did win in 1995. This year, there was promise and hope for Houston in the postseason as they secured their first Division title since 2020.

Then, the Warriors defeated them in Game 7 of the First Round, and once again, the Rockets were sent on vacation before they could even think about the Finals.

The addition of Durant is supposed to be the missing puzzle piece for Houston's pursuit of its third-ever NBA title. If he can't pull through, questions about his ability to secure a championship without a slate of other superstars alongside him will fly into focus.

Kevin Durant will be a Hall of Famer once he finally decides to hang up his jersey(s). However, a few people might want an asterisk by his name if he continues to fall short of greatness.