Mar 25, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) warms up before the game against the Atlanta Hawks at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

'It’s Going to be Fun Playing With Him' – Houston Rockets’ Amen Thompson is Relieved to be Teammates With Kevin Durant

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 7:07 AM ET

Houston Rockets swingman Amen Thompson is excited about the chance to play alongside one of the best scorers in NBA history, Kevin Durant, this upcoming season.

During a recent episode of the Young Man and the Three podcast, Thompson reflected on what it’s like guarding Durant during their first two NBA seasons.

“So just you know we’re double teaming. I’m guarding him. Obviously, he’s bigger than me, but we’re double-teaming, and he could pass, too. That’s the thing. Like KD could pass, I think every time we play him, he gets like eight plus assists. You know what I mean?” the Houston Rockets guard explained.

Feb 23, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) gestures to the referee for a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the second half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

“So having him on my team, knowing I mean if I’m guarding him and we’re doubling, other people got to double too. So just knowing the easy opportunities it’s going to make for the whole team, just having a threat like that, and even for me, like I’m excited.. I’m smiling, thinking about just getting on the court for the first time with him,” he added.

Houston Rockets swingman draws Most Improved Player of the Year prediction from analyst

ESPN recently voted Amen Thompson as the leading candidate for next season’s Most Improved Player of the Year award. However, The Ringer’s Michael Pina is predicting Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. to win the coveted award instead during his latest podcast.

Mar 12, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. (10) drives with the ball past Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) during the third quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

“I think he will benefit greatly from having Kevin Durant — who, in a lot of ways, his game is similar to. Not close to as good, or saying he ever will be, but similar to that archetype,” Pina said about Smith.

“I think Jabari Smith Jr. will have a really good year, a more efficient year. Even if he isn’t averaging 17 or 18 points per game, you’ll notice the improvement if you watch the Houston Rockets play. That’s my pick, I think he’ll have a really good year,” he added.