Kevin Durant urged to mentor Rockets’ Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun

Kevin Durant asked to guide Rockets’ young duo

Kevin Durant has been publicly urged by Kendrick Perkins to step into a mentorship role with Houston Rockets teammates Jabari Smith Jr. and Alperen Sengun. The appeal was made on MSN, with Perkins highlighting Durant’s veteran experience as a key asset for the franchise’s rising stars.

What Kendrick Perkins said

Perkins, a former NBA champion and Rockets analyst, framed Durant as the perfect bridge between Houston’s past and future. “Kevin Durant’s presence in Houston isn’t just about his scoring anymore,” Perkins told MSN. “He’s got to show these young guys how to carry themselves, how to prepare, how to win.” The call came amid Durant’s second stint with the Rockets, where he’s expected to blend veteran savvy with on-court production.

Why it matters for Kevin Durant

For Durant, the request is a chance to redefine his role beyond scoring. At 35, he’s no longer the focal point of an offense but remains one of the league’s most respected voices. Perkins argued that Durant’s influence could accelerate the development of Smith Jr.-the 2022 No. 3 overall pick-and Sengun, Houston’s 2021 first-rounder. “These kids need someone who’s been there,” Perkins said. “Someone who knows what it takes to stay elite for a decade.”

What comes next

Houston opens training camp in late September, with Durant set to lead a roster still searching for its identity. Smith Jr. and Sengun are penciled in as starters, but both need to tighten their decision-making under pressure. Durant’s buy-in could ease their transition-or expose gaps if he’s sidelined. The Rockets haven’t confirmed any formal mentorship plan, but Perkins’ plea puts Durant in the spotlight before the first preseason game.