Beautiful Amen Thompson quote shows Rockets are in good hands

The Houston Rockets are all about hard work. A recent quote from Amen Thompson proves that this will be the case for the foreseeable future.

It's easy to lose sight of Houston's future. The focus is on the present. The Rockets have shifted firmly into win-now mode. They'll have championship aspirations in 2025-26.

Yet, they also have a long window. The Rockets aren't strictly a title contender. They've retained one of the brightest cores in the NBA. This is now a team that's operating with both short and long-term ambitions.

Thompson's quote should make fans optimistic about both.

Rockets' Thompson understands the assignment

“I just hear his work ethic is different. I feel like I have a different work ethic, too. So combining that… I think it’s going to be fun.”

-Amen Thompson on Kevin Durant

If one word has come to define this era of Rockets basketball, it's "work", or perhaps "effort". Ime Udoka won't accept less than 100% effort from his rotation players. If you're not willing to do the work, you won't get on the floor.

The results have spoken for themselves. Take Alperen Sengun. He was viewed as a defensive liability for three seasons. Last year, he was shockingly positive on that end of the floor. Sengun did the work, and he was rewarded.

During Thompson's time with the team, his relentless work ethic has been apparent as well. Moreover, Durant has long been known for his legendary work ethic. This team is going to work:

But will it work in basketball terms?

Rockets' new trio have complimentary skills

A common talking point about these Rockets has been shooting. Sengun and Thompson have poor combined shooting, so there have been questions about their long-term viability as a duo. What should be done in that situation?

How about adding one of the most dangerous shooters in NBA history?

Durant's three-point gravity will make it more difficult for defenses to converge on Sengun when he's operating on the low block. It'll make it easier for Thompson to cut into open space. As a rule, playing with an elite perimeter scorer makes life easier for players who operate on the interior.

Still, that doesn't solve everything. Thompson can't cut as easily if Sengun is on the low block. Thompson's man may cheat off him to double Sengun on the block. One of them developing even a working three-ball could really revolutionize Houston's offense.

At least we can all be confident that they're both putting the work in.