Amen Thompson: The Rising Star Poised to Make a Big Impact for the Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have been a team in transition for a few seasons now, but with a strong crop of young talent, including second-year wing Amen Thompson, the team is on the verge of becoming a serious contender in the NBA. Recently, CBS Sports named Thompson as one of five sophomore players who could “level up” this season and potentially join the NBA’s top 100 players by next year. The combination of his size, speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in the league.

Thompson’s unique skill set has garnered attention, with fans and analysts praising his explosive first step and excellent court vision. His ability to read the game at a high level, combined with his impressive passing skills, makes him a perfect fit for a Rockets team looking to build chemistry with a talented core. Houston fans and NBA enthusiasts alike are eager to see how Thompson’s sophomore season unfolds, and there are several reasons why he’s expected to make a significant leap this year.

An Impressive Rookie Campaign

Amen Thompson’s rookie season with the Houston Rockets was a promising one. He showcased versatility on both ends of the court, proving to be an essential piece in the team’s rotation. Over the course of the season, the Rockets finished with a .500 record (41-41), a solid improvement for a rebuilding team. Thompson, who averaged 9.12 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals in just over 22 minutes per game, was a key contributor to that success.

In his 23 games as a starter, Thompson’s numbers jumped to 13.12 points, nearly 10 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, while playing close to 31 minutes a night. His defensive instincts, length, and tenacity allowed him to be a disruptive force, making him a candidate for future NBA All-Defensive teams. CBS Sports’ Jasmine Wimbish highlighted Thompson’s potential, writing that he is “bound to make regular appearances on all-defensive teams in the future.” His speed, athleticism, and size give him the tools to track down players, block shots, and deflect passes, setting him apart from other wings.

A Defensive Powerhouse with Untapped Potential

Amen Thompson’s defensive prowess is well-documented, and it’s something that Rockets coach Ime Udoka has taken notice of. Udoka, who has praised Thompson as “one of the best, if not the best guy on the court,” during training camp and preseason, sees tremendous potential in Thompson’s ability to affect games on both ends of the court. As Thompson develops, his disruptive defensive play, combined with his ability to guard multiple positions, could make him one of the league’s elite defenders. His physical attributes allow him to cover a lot of ground quickly, and his intelligence on the defensive end means that he’s always in the right spot to make plays.

However, the area where Thompson’s game still has room to grow is his shooting. Rockets fans and analysts have pointed out that Thompson’s value will skyrocket once he becomes a more consistent shooter, especially from beyond the arc. Ben Dubose of Rockets Wire has noted that Thompson’s ceiling is somewhat limited by his jump shot, but if he can develop a reliable three-point shot, it would significantly enhance his offensive game and turn him into a star-level player.

Offseason Buzz: Thompson on the USA Select Team

Thompson’s impressive offseason earned him a spot on the USA Select Team, a group of rising stars selected to scrimmage against the Men’s National Team in preparation for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Being chosen for this squad is a testament to the respect Thompson has earned among the NBA’s elite, as it places him alongside other promising young players who are being groomed for future international competition.

While Thompson didn’t have a large role in the Olympics this time around, the experience was invaluable for his development. The Select Team scrimmages provided him with the opportunity to test his skills against some of the best players in the world, and it gave him a taste of the type of competition he will face as he continues to elevate his game.

A Perfect Fit for Houston’s Deep Roster

The Rockets are poised to surprise a lot of people this season, and a big part of that will be due to Thompson’s ability to complement his teammates. Houston’s roster is deep, featuring a balanced mix of young talent and veteran leadership. With a starting lineup of Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, Jabari Smith Jr., and Alperen Sengun, the Rockets have the potential to be a competitive team in the Western Conference.

Thompson and third-overall pick Reed Sheppard, another exciting young player, are expected to form a dynamic duo off the bench. Thompson’s versatility allows him to play point guard or either forward position, while Sheppard’s ability to play both guard spots will give the Rockets flexibility in their rotations. The two are expected to wreak havoc on opposing bench units with their speed, athleticism, and basketball IQ. Whether it’s Thompson at point guard and Sheppard at shooting guard, or the other way around, the pair’s complementary skills will make them difficult to defend.

A Bright Future for Amen Thompson

As Amen Thompson enters his second season, it’s clear that his potential is sky-high. His ability to impact the game defensively, combined with his raw athleticism and playmaking ability, makes him a player to watch in the coming years. With the guidance of a proven coach like Ime Udoka, Thompson is in an ideal situation to develop into a star for the Rockets.

If he continues to improve as a shooter and builds on the momentum from his rookie season, Thompson could very well find himself ranked among the top 100 players in the NBA by the end of this year. He’s already shown flashes of brilliance, and as his game continues to evolve, it’s only a matter of time before he becomes a household name in the league.

Houston Rockets fans have a lot to look forward to this season, and Amen Thompson is at the forefront of that excitement. As the team continues to grow and develop, Thompson will be a key piece of their success, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him take his game to new heights in 2024 and beyond.

In the end, whether you’re a Rockets fan or just an NBA enthusiast, one thing is clear: Amen Thompson is a player on the rise, and his journey is just getting started. Keep an eye on him, because this season could be the one where he takes the leap from promising young talent to bonafide NBA star.