Former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins raised concerns about team dynamics within the Houston Rockets during a recent appearance on the Road Trippin’ Show. Perkins highlighted a lack of camaraderie, stating, via HoopsHype, “You can tell that after the games, after practices, everybody goes their separate ways. There’s no camaraderie, no hangouts. Nobody’s pulling them together.”
Perkins specifically critiqued the organization’s handling of Amen Thompson and Alperen Sengun, noting that the declaration of them as “untouchable” at the trade deadline may have sent the wrong message. “They’re untouchable when you’ve got Giannis? Giannis with the Rockets—now all of a sudden he becomes Batman, and KD could be the Robin,” Perkins said, pointing to potential chemistry challenges with the arrival of Kevin Durant.
The discussion comes amid renewed speculation about Durant’s alleged burner account on X linked to messages criticizing teammates, including Jabari Smith Jr. and Sengun. Durant has repeatedly dismissed the allegations as “Twitter nonsense” while declining to confirm ownership of the account @gethigher77. Despite no verified connection, the controversy has fueled debate over the team’s internal relationships.
Durant, 37, leads the Rockets this season with averages of 25.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game across 64 starts. Young stars Thompson and Sengun have also posted strong numbers, with Thompson averaging 17.8 points and 7.7 assists, and Sengun contributing 20.2 points and 8.9 rebounds. Jabari Smith Jr. adds 15.5 points and 6.8 rebounds per contest, making Houston a competitive team in the Western Conference.
Channing Frye suggested that Durant’s integration might be misunderstood by Houston’s younger players. “If I were a young guy there… they were second in the West last year. KD comes to that team and says, ‘Yo, run your offense through me,’” he said. Perkins argued that such dynamics could inadvertently create passive-aggressive behavior and affect team cohesion.
The Rockets currently hold a 33-20 record as of March 18, 2026, trailing the Lakers, Spurs, and Thunder for top spots in the West.
