NBA Notes: Rockets, Amen Thompson, Mavericks, Pelicans, Jeremiah Fears

Rockets

Amen Thompson already looked like a rising star for the Rockets. Now he’ll be doing it next to a future Hall of Famer.

The 21-year-old wing, coming off a breakout second season, said he’s eager to learn from new teammate Kevin Durant, who arrived in Houston this summer as part of the franchise’s accelerated push toward contention.

“He’s going to make my life a lot easier,” Thompson told Space City Home Network in a Summer League interview. “He’s one of the greatest players ever, one of the best scorers ever. Definitely going to be passing it to him a lot. They’re going to be double teaming him, so I’m going to be cutting off the back of it.”

Thompson averaged 14.1 points and shot 55.7% from the field last season, but it was his work on the defensive end that turned heads. He earned First-Team All-Defense honors and finished fifth in Defensive Player of the Year voting, a strong leap in just his second NBA season.

He also credited Durant’s leadership and work ethic as reasons he’s excited for the new pairing.

“I just hear his work ethic is different,” Thompson said. “I feel like I have a different work ethic, too. Combining that, I think it’s gonna be fun.”

Mavericks

Ryan Nembhard didn’t get drafted, but it didn’t take long for the Mavericks to realize they may have found a keeper.

Nembhard, signed to a two-way deal out of Gonzaga, averaged 11.7 points and 6.7 assists in three Summer League games before being shut down. According to Dallas Summer League coach Josh Broghamer, that was more than enough.

“You guys saw it,” Broghamer said, via Grant Afseth Dallas Hoops Journal. “Ryan didn’t have to prove anything else. Everyone knows we got a steal in him. He can play on the ball, off the ball, he’s going to be a hard-nosed defender — and we’re very excited about him going forward.”

The Mavs have backcourt depth, but Nembhard is already making a case to stick and potentially contribute sooner than expected.

Pelicans

The Pelicans saw plenty to like from rookies Jeremiah Fears and Derik Queen during Summer League action in Las Vegas, but both players showed they’re still a work in progress.

Fears flashed his quickness and athleticism, along with tight handles and an aggressive approach. But finishing at the rim and shot selection were issues, as he connected on just 18.2% from three-point range.

Queen showed a soft shooting touch and advanced feel as a passer for a big man, but suffered a torn scapholunate ligament that required surgery. He’s expected to be sidelined until at least October.

The Pelicans remain high on both players, viewing them as part of the long-term puzzle. For now, though, they’ll focus on development, and in Queen’s case, recovery.