Ryan Hollins breaks down the Rockets’ defensive rise, Ime Udoka’s impact, and Houston’s potential moves for Kevin Durant or Giannis (Photo by Kenneth Richmond/Getty Images)
Ex-NBA veteran Ryan Hollins played in the NBA for 10 seasons with teams such as the Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Clippers, and Sacramento Kings. During his time in the league, he averaged 3.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 0.3 assists per game in 518 career games. Since retiring from the NBA, he has made the transition into broadcast media and is currently an analyst for the Houston Rockets.
Hollins spoke with RG to discuss the Rockets’ performance last season and the potential impact of the offseason. Hollins gave candid opinions on what’s working and what’s next for one of the most interesting teams in the league, including the maturation of Houston’s young core and the cultural shift under Coach Ime Udoka.
On Houston’s Growth: “We’re Going to Win the Ugly Games”
Hollins observed the Rockets’ significant improvement on the defensive end while reflecting on the 2023–24 season.
“Closing out games defensively with Tari Eason was huge,” Hollins said. “He was able to guard guys and disrupt offenses the way he wanted, and that presence was something they really missed last year. His return gave even more freedom to guys like Amen [Thompson] and Jalen [Green] to be aggressive on both ends.”
The internal development was replicated throughout the roster with players like Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Alperen Şengün, and Fred VanVleet leading the way.
Jalen Green led the team in scoring, averaging 21 points per game, finishing 13th overall among the league’s elite scorers. Alperen Şengün led the team in total rebounds, averaging 10.3 rebounds per game and finishing eighth in that category. Amen Thompson led the team in blocks with 1.3 blocks per game, finishing in the top 15 in that category.
“The young guys also just got a year older—more experienced,” Hollins continued.
“Jabari [Smith Jr.] was much improved defensively, and that made a big difference because now you could keep him on the floor without having to trade off defense for offense. He embraced his role and played it well.”
Hollins put more emphasis on the collective mindset shift than individual improvements.
“You had a group that fully bought in on the defensive end. They said, ‘We’re going to win the ugly games.’ And when you can win those—those gritty, grind-it-out ones—you give yourself a real chance.”
On Ime Udoka: “He’s a Real Gem”
Hollins expressed his immense admiration for head coach Ime Udoka, calling his impact on the Rockets’ culture “tremendous.”
“Oh man, Ime is a ten. He’s a real gem,” Hollins said. “Everybody around the league is trying to figure out how to pattern and model their young rebuilds after what Ime has done—bringing culture, bringing toughness, bringing physicality.”
Udoka’s system was perfectly aligned with the evolving nature of today’s NBA.
Houston’s style of basketball forced other teams to adapt, which was what stood out most for Hollins.
“Teams were playing Houston’s style rather than the Rockets being on their heels,” he said. “We competed with the best—Golden State, Boston, New York. We won games you didn’t expect. And I think our guys took that next step. There’s still more to go, but that growth was huge.”
On Kevin Durant Potential Trade to Houston? “He’d Fit in Beautifully”
Last season, as a member of the Phoenix Suns, Kevin Durant averaged 26.6 points, six rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game in 62 games. However, it wasn’t enough to lead the Suns into the play-in tournament.
This offseason, the Phoenix Suns are actively looking to move Kevin Durant to bring back some draft capital as well as players for the future. Durant’s name has been linked to several teams such as the San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and yes, the Houston Rockets.
Hollins weighed in on the possibility of what the Rockets' team dynamic offense would be like if KD were inserted.
“Kevin Durant, man—he’s electric,” Hollins said. “With his skill set and the way the NBA is played today, he could literally fit in anywhere, including Houston.”
Hollins pointed out that timing and strategy are the real concerns.
“When you get to those big moments, do you have enough offensive firepower to execute?” he asked. “Do you trust your young talent to get you there, or do you bring in someone like KD who you know can win championships?”
The Rockets are in a fantastic position, according to Hollins.
“I love that Houston has options. They can stay put or make a major move,” he said.
“KD would fit in beautifully—and I believe he already has a relationship with Ime from their time in Brooklyn. There’s a high level of respect for him from our guys.”
He acknowledged the expense, however: “What do you give up? KD is that talented. And to his credit, he gets that. He wants to be fair—to both teams and organizations. That says a lot about him.”
On a Giannis Trade: “You’re Getting a Certified Champion”
Milwaukee Bucks All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo last season averaged 30.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game. Despite another solid season for the Bucks, they were eliminated in the first round by the Indiana Pacers in five games. During that same series, Bucks All-Star Damian Lillard ruptured his Achilles tendon. The injury will sideline him for the 2025–26 season.
With the news of Lillard being out indefinitely, Antetokounmpo trade rumors have been swirling. The Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Toronto Raptors, and the Brooklyn Nets have all been mentioned as potential destinations for the former two-time league MVP.
Hollins expressed both enthusiasm and caution regarding the hypothetical idea of Giannis Antetokounmpo wearing Rockets red.
“Giannis is a beast. One of those unicorn-type players,” he said. “He’d fit in well anywhere.”
A player such as Giannis is expensive to acquire.
“If you go out and try to get him, you’re definitely getting gutted,” Hollins warned. “But in return, you’re getting a certified champion—a guy who’s tough as nails, who brings it every night.”
With Damian Lillard currently dealing with injuries in Milwaukee, a departure by Giannis would mean that the Bucks are in rebuild mode.
“That price tag is going to be sky-high,” Hollins said. “But again, the value he brings is unmatched.”
On Dillon Brooks: “He Raised the Standard”
Hollins showed a different side of Dillon Brooks, who is often seen as a fiery enforcer.
“Dillon Brooks is one of the quietest, most respectful, and just all-around dope teammates you’re going to find,” Hollins said. “Behind the scenes, he’s incredibly patient and encouraging. He really takes care of his people.”
Brooks’ success can be attributed to the Rockets’ decision to embrace his full personality. Dillon Brooks finished the season averaging 14 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
Hollins concluded with a mantra: “Fred [VanVleet] is the offense, Dillon is the defense, and the culture is everything in between.”
At the beginning of the season, Hollins observed that Brooks’ intensity was so exceptional that his teammates had to catch up.
“Once they did, that’s when the Rockets turned a corner,” he said. “Dillon set the tone. He raised the standard. And the rest of the team followed.”
Looking Ahead
The Rockets no longer need to rebuild when they have a strong foundation, a culture of accountability, and multiple paths to progress, whether through internal growth or acquiring a superstar. Ryan Hollins believes that the future in Houston is bright, as they are a team on the rise.
“Houston has options,” he said. “And that’s a great place to be.”
Landon Buford
