Amen Thompson Emerging as Future Star for Houston Rockets

 

Amen Thompson has recently shown signs of becoming a franchise-altering player for the Houston Rockets. With seconds remaining in a heated game against the Boston Celtics, the second-year guard showcased his clutch ability. Thompson grabbed the inbound pass, navigated through the defense, and made a stunning step-back jumper over Jaylen Brown, giving Houston a thrilling victory with just 0.7 seconds left.

Thompson finished the game with an impressive 33 points on 68% shooting, along with nine rebounds, four assists, and one steal and block each. The performance encapsulated what has been a standout season for Thompson, full of diverse and impactful contributions across multiple stat lines.

“That felt great,” Thompson said during the postgame broadcast, while teammate Dillon Brooks chimed in, confident the shot would land. “I knew it would fall, that was my first game-winner, I feel like Kobe Bryant.”

The comparison to Kobe Bryant is fitting, as Thompson’s growing confidence and poise are rapidly making him a key player for the Rockets.

Amen Thompson’s Rise as a Key Player for the Houston Rockets

Drafted as the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, behind stars like Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, and Scoot Henderson, Thompson was somewhat overshadowed at first. The attention around the NBA Draft focused heavily on the top picks, and within his own team, the Rockets' young core—featuring talented players like Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, and Jabari Smith Jr.—meant Thompson blended in for much of his rookie season.

Now, Thompson is emerging as a central figure for Houston.

In his last 10 games, Thompson has averaged 18.8 points on 57% shooting, alongside 11 rebounds, 4.6 assists, 2.3 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. His performance has moved him from a complementary piece to the Rockets’ future franchise player. His tenacity on defense, particularly on the wing, has earned him attention for Defensive Player of the Year honors, as he continues to shut down some of the league’s most talented players.

Amen Thompson’s Athleticism Fuels His Game

Defenders are well aware of Thompson's offensive limitations, but there's little they can do to stop his transition game and powerful downhill drives to the basket. While some young players experience a sophomore slump, Thompson’s innate athleticism and high basketball IQ have kept his growth steady, and he's continuing to make a significant impact.

Since joining the Rockets’ starting lineup, the team has posted an impressive 12-3 record, recently winning consecutive games against both the Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics. As it stands, Thompson looks poised to hold down the starting role for the foreseeable future.

The Future is Bright for Amen Thompson

At just 21 years old (with his 22nd birthday coming this Thursday), the sky is the limit for Thompson. His game is only expected to improve with more experience, especially in areas like offensive efficiency and playmaking. One of the key concerns about his game entering the league—his 3-point shooting—has already seen considerable improvement in his second year, and his shooting volume has also increased.

As Thompson continues to develop, it’s clear that he could become one of the NBA’s superstars, with his growing skill set and leadership on both sides of the ball. If he maintains his current trajectory, it won’t be long before the phrase “superstar” is used to describe Amen Thompson in Houston.