​Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn ImagesWith the NBA talent pool at an all-time high, the NBA is as stacked as it’s ever been. In the Western Conference alone, there are at least five teams with a realistic chance to win the title, and many more that are capable of outperforming expectations.So when NBA legend Tracy McGrady was given the choice between the Cavaliers, Rockets, Heat, and Lakers, he had to think hard before deciding which one was the most likely to pull off a championship upset. He eventually settled on the Houston Rockets, with a special mention of Kevin Durant and Fred VanVleet.“I’m gonna say the Rockets,” said Tracy McGrady. “We got Fred [VanVleet] back, that is the missing piece for them to give them some organization on the basketball court in close games. Not only can he organize everything, but he is also a bucket-getter. And then you have KD, who can still get you 25 points a night.”McGrady spent six years on the Rockets, so it’s no surprise that he gave them the edge in this four-team race. Even so, he has a point about Fred VanVleet, whose return brings a much-needed playmaker and ball handler to the rotation. Nobody knows what to expect coming off a torn ACL, but Vince Carter agrees that he brings everything the Rockets have needed.“Rockets is where I’m gonna go as well,” said Carter. “I think Fred VanVleet is not only a clutch player in his own right, but he is a facilitator, and he is a veteran who has been around and understands what needs to be done. I think that unlocks the Kevin Durant we all know and love and want to see on that big stage.”With career averages of 14.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 1.4 steals, and 0.5 blocks per game, VanVleet is no star by any stretch, but he was sorely missed last season when the Rockets had to play a mix of Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard at his position. In the end, without a true point guard to help structure and organize the offense, the Rockets collapsed in the first round to a depleted Lakers team.But with VanVleet back to full strength, the Rockets finally have a reliable option at the point. Of course, they can now also lean on Marcus Smart, who can provide a spark on both ends of the floor. Between him, VanVleet, and Bogdan Bogdanovic, the Rockets are poised to see a notable improvement from last season.More than anything, the key to their success will be the performance and leadership of Kevin Durant. With averages of 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 0.8 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game last season, we know he can still play at a high level, and the combination of him, Alperen Sengun, and Amen Thompson will ensure the Rockets are competing for a top-six spot.So while the Lakers, Heat, and Cavaliers may be feeling good about their additions this summer, not everyone is convinced it will actually matter in the grand scheme of things. To compete with the Thunder, Spurs, and Timberwolves requires more than just star power; it requir