85 broke 85 hat! Amen is so much like James, Stone makes a request, and the Rockets prepare a maximum salary in advance

The Rockets welcomed Durant through a heavy trade during the offseason, and sent Jaylen Green and Whitmore (White Devils) away, and traded them to the Suns and the Wizards respectively. This operation not only dismantled the highly anticipated "Seven Rockets", but also completely solved the team's stubborn problems of instability in offense and weak defense. Durant's joining has made the Rockets jump from a playoff team to a favorite for the championship, and the arrival of new players Okogi, Finney Smith (nicknamed "Electric Fan") and Capela further enhances the team's defensive intensity. The continued growth of young players has injected unlimited potential into the Rockets, and the team's ceiling seems to have no upper limit.

From the promotional photos released by the Rockets, Durant, Shin Kyung and Amen were established as the three core points of the new season. As a superstar, Durant brought unparalleled scoring ability and key ball handling ability; Shin Kyung's support and offensive talent in the inside were gradually realized in the European Championships, and he defeated Letters and Jokic; while Amen showed his potential to become a super giant in the future. These three are not only the team's appearance, but also represent the Rockets' balance and future development direction on both offense and defense. Because the Rockets' achievements in the draft market in recent years have not been particularly impressive.

The second pick Jaylen Green performed mediocrely. Although Shin Kyung, who ranked 16, gradually grew into a pillar of the team, he was not a high-ranking rookie. Others such as Garuba and Toffer had no ball to play. The 2022 Tanhua Smith is a huge difference compared to the same class, Bankairo and Homgren. Amen, who was selected in the fourth pick in 2023, and Shepard, who was selected in 2024, are okay. Amen is the most eye-catching high-ranking rookie in the Rockets in four years. He is the super giant and the cornerstone player of the Rockets' future, because of his amazing growth rate.

Amen showed outstanding defensive talent in his first season. He averaged 22 minutes per game, contributing 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.26 steals, with a shooting percentage of up to 54%. In the second year, his playing time increased to 32 minutes, with data rising to 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.41 steals and 1.29 blocks, with a 56% shooting percentage. What is even more exciting is that his three-point shooting percentage doubled from 14% in his rookie season to 28%, and his three-point shooting percentage in the bottom corner is as high as 40%, becoming an important weapon in the Rockets' offensive system. Amen's comprehensiveness and adjustment ability were fully demonstrated in the playoffs. In the seven-game series against the Warriors, Amen averaged 15.7 points, 7 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.71 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 50%. Although his performance in the first three games was sluggish and averaged only 10 points per game, he quickly adjusted the game in the last four games, averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of up to 58%. Such performance made Curry and Dream Green praised him, saying that his playoff growth was shocking. Amen was also the only player in the league to reach 85 steals and 85 blocks last season. He ranked first in the league in defensive efficiency with limiting opponents' shooting percentage per 100 rounds, and Durant was second, and was selected into the best defensive team.

Rockets general manager Stone also highly praised Amen in an interview: "Our success last season was largely attributed to Amen Thompson. He quickly adapted to the NBA rhythm after his rookie season, and his performance in the playoffs was even more eye-catching. Next season, we look forward to him continuing to grow and becoming the cornerstone of the team."

Amen has a clear goal. He regards LeBron James as an idol and is determined to surpass him. From S's call, it can be seen that Amen gets a maximum salary for early renewal from the Rockets in the offseason next year or in the fourth year. His potential is too great.

It can be said that Shin Kyung and Amen are already the two axes of the Rockets in the future. This is certain, and Shepard will take some time to verify it. First of all, Shin Kyung, as the Rockets' inside core, gradually showed a comprehensive offensive ability similar to Jokic. His European Championship pass vision, basket ending and support ability make the Rockets' offensive system smoother in the new season. Although Shin Kyung is not a high-ranking rookie (16th pick in 2021), his growth trajectory proves the accuracy of the Rockets' draft vision and has a bit of luck. After all, the draft pick was exchanged from the Thunder, using two restricted Pistons and the Wizards' first round. In the new season, Shin Kyung will further unleash his potential under Durant's cover. Durant's arrival not only relieved Shin Kyung's offensive pressure, but also provided him with more learning opportunities. Amen's comprehensive growth and the defensive bonus of new players make the Rockets have top competitiveness on both offense and defense. Durant's experience provides the team with stability at critical moments. Compared to the Suns and Nets, Durant did not need to carry the team alone with the Rockets, but just needed to play a role at critical moments. This role allocation allows him to reach the championship in a more efficient way. Of course, the Rockets' future not only depends on Durant's immediate combat power, but also on the growth of young players. At least the Rockets should be the most reasonable team after Durant left the Warriors. Uduka is famous for defense, and the Rockets are expected to rush from fifth place in the league to first place next season.