Kevin Durant’s Harden-Inspired Moves Spark Buzz as Houston Debut Nears

As basketball fans gear up for a packed new season across leagues, a fascinating storyline has emerged: Kevin Durant unveiling moves in practice that resemble the vintage Houston Rockets-era James Harden arsenal.

From step-backs to crafty drives, Durant’s display of Harden-like offensive creativity has drawn attention right before his highly anticipated debut in Houston.

While Durant’s practice footage has created its own viral moment, the broader basketball landscape—from the NBL’s season opener to player contract storylines—has also been filled with intrigue.

Let’s break down the key developments.

During a recent team workout, Durant flashed a variety of Harden-style moves—signature step-back threes, deceptive crossovers, and foul-drawing drives—that left teammates and observers buzzing.

For many, the sight of Durant integrating Harden’s Houston-era tricks into his own versatile game feels like the merging of two MVP skill sets.

Durant and Harden were once teammates in Oklahoma City and later in Brooklyn, but it was Harden’s run with the Rockets (2012–2020) that defined his career as one of the league’s most prolific scorers.

Now, Durant borrowing from Harden’s blueprint right before his Houston debut feels like both a tribute and a warning shot to opponents.

Fans quickly drew parallels online, dubbing the performance as “Durant unlocking Rockets Harden mode.”

If these practice flashes translate into live games, Houston fans could witness a blend of two of the most unguardable offensive arsenals in NBA history.

Meanwhile, in Australia, the NBL’s 26th season tipped off with Melbourne United facing the Tasmania JackJumpers—a rivalry match that many fans felt should have opened the season last year.

The headline duel featured Jesse Edwards, a towering United recruit, against Will Magnay of Tasmania.

Both players represent a growing trend back toward size in global basketball.

After years of small-ball dominance, seven-footers and athletic rim protectors are reclaiming their place in rotations.

Edwards, already showing lob-finishing flair in preseason, was expected to clash physically with Magnay, one of the league’s premier shot-blockers.

Another emotional subplot was Milton Doyle’s first game against Tasmania since leaving the team for Melbourne.

Doyle, who helped the JackJumpers win a title, was beloved in Tasmania.

Yet crossing to a heated rival ensured a mixed reception.

Though fans debated between boos and applause, one thing was clear: Doyle entered the season with a chip on his shoulder, aiming to exceed last year’s averages of 14.6 points per game and inconsistent shooting percentages.

The Cairns Taipans also entered the spotlight with their offseason acquisitions and Jack McVeigh’s determination to return to the NBA.

McVeigh, who once held a two-way contract with the Houston Rockets, remains a gifted scorer but knows defensive improvement is key to reviving his NBA hopes.

At 29, he faces long odds, but his mental toughness and late-bloomer trajectory keep the door open.

Surrounded by talents like Admiral Schofield and sharpshooter Rayan Rupert, McVeigh is in a system that allows him to showcase both his scoring and developing defensive skills.

The Taipans also made a notable roster adjustment, replacing Ashton Hagans with Andrew Andrews due to visa complications and injuries.

Andrews, a scoring guard with international experience across Europe, adds instant offensive firepower.

Several under-the-radar NBL players are positioned for breakout years:

Sam Mennenga (New Zealand Breakers): After showing flashes last season, Mennenga is poised for a bigger role.With Taco Fall gone, the Breakers can fully unleash his versatile scoring inside and out.

Entering a contract year, Mennenga has strong motivation to deliver big numbers and secure a major deal.
Jaylen Galloway (Sydney Kings): Fresh off a standout FIBA Asia Cup, where he displayed elite athleticism and surprising shooting, Galloway is pushing for a starting role.With Alex Tui’s NBA departure, the Kings have every incentive to maximize Galloway’s development.

Coaches believe he could transform into a star if given consistent opportunities.

Replacing a five-time MVP is no small task, but the Perth Wildcats may have struck gold with Mason Jones.

The G-League Finals MVP and prolific scorer made an immediate impact in preseason, dropping 22 points and seven assists while hitting seven of ten threes.

Jones brings more than scoring—he is also a proven facilitator, averaging seven to nine assists per game in the G-League.

Analysts have noted his tendencies: step-back threes when moving left, aggressive drives and floaters when moving right.

If he builds chemistry with backcourt mate Ben Henschel, the Wildcats could field one of the most dangerous guard duos in the league.

Off the court, Australian guard Josh Giddey finalized a new contract with the Chicago Bulls, signing a four-year, $100 million extension.

The negotiation process was delicate.

Chicago traded defensive star Alex Caruso for Giddey, so letting him walk after a qualifying offer would have been disastrous.

On Giddey’s side, the lack of outside bidders limited leverage.

Ultimately, both parties met in the middle: $25 million annually secures Giddey’s future while giving the Bulls a starting-caliber point guard at a reasonable cap figure.

Giddey’s improved shooting late last season—21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, and 45% three-point shooting after the All-Star break—proved he could elevate his game when it mattered.

The contract now allows him to settle into a long-term role without the uncertainty of free agency.

Kevin Durant’s Harden-inspired practice highlights may have stolen the headlines, but they’re part of a broader basketball narrative where stars evolve, underdogs chase dreams, and leagues worldwide embrace both tradition and innovation.

As Durant prepares for his Houston debut, fans wait to see if those Rockets-style moves will appear under the bright lights.

At the same time, the NBL’s season opener, Cairns’ roster shakeups, Sydney’s rising stars, Perth’s new guard leader, and Giddey’s NBA contract all reinforce one truth: basketball never stops reinventing itself.