The Houston Rockets had two constants during several seasons of their rebuild. Multiple seasons of losing a lot and drafting near the top, thanks to those losing seasons. After the Rockets traded away their franchise star, James Harden, in 2021, they knew they had to tear down the entire roster and start from scratch.
That meant a lot of losses and multiple years drafting in the top ten to hopefully get back to contention soon as possible. Since 2021 the Rockets drafted in the top five four different
times starting with Jalen Green in the first draft post Harden. The Rockets would go onto draft three other players Jabari Smith, Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard.
For the most part, the Rockets have had success in those drafts, even though the only All-Star from the group has been Alperen Sengun, who wasn’t drafted in the lottery. Green was part of the Rockets’ blockbuster trade for Kevin Durant; the jury is still out on Sheppard going into his third season; and Smith has improved each season, but the improvement has been slower than some hoped. The one player drafted in the top five who has a chance to become a star in the league is Thompson.
Amen Thompson Player Preview
Thompson came into the league known for his athleticism, and at 6’7 while playing point guard, he was seen as the type of big, playmaking guard every team would love to have. After his first season, he had transformed into one of the NBA’s best defensive players. With the Rockets already having Fred VanVleet, Thompson adjusted his game to fit what the Rockets needed.
After Smith’s injury sidelined him for an extended period, the Rockets had Thompson play at the dunker spot from the power forward position. That is when Thompson’s game took off, as he could play around the basket where his athleticism was on full display. Thompson also showed he was already one of the league’s better defenders.
The rest of the NBA took notice as Thompson made the All NBA Defensive team in only his second season. Even with the Rockets having Dillon Brooks on the roster Thompson took over as the teams primary defender for the opposing teams best perimiter player. Even though Thompson did not make an All NBA Defensive team his third season he did improve across the board on the offensive end.
The rest of the NBA took notice when Thompson made the All-NBA Defensive Team in only his second season. Even with the Rockets having Dillon Brooks on the roster, Thompson took over as the team’s primary defender against the opposing team’s best perimeter player. Even though Thompson did not make an All-NBA Defensive Team in his third season, he improved across the board on the offensive end.
Even though Thompson took a step back on the defensive end last season, he finished with career highs in points, assists, and even free-throw shooting. Now, going into his fourth season on a new five-year, $ 208 millon contract, Thompson hopes to keep building on his offensive success while returning to the All-Defensive Team accolades he earned in his second season.
From day one, Thompson understood he had to improve his offensive game, especially as a jump shooter, and it has become even more evident going into season four. The Rockets brought in renowned shot specialist Chip Engelland, who has built a career improving players on the offensive end, especially as shooters. Now he is tasked with helping Thompson, who has struggled to score away from the basket, add a consistent jump shot that could open up his entire offensive game.
Teams have made it a point to pack the paint against Thompson and force him into that jump shot. If Thompson can add not just a three-point shot but a midrange shot, he could go from an elite two-way young star to a superstar in the league. Thompson has the ability, and now it is about putting it all together in year four.
