Amen Thompson of the Rockets had a season filled with ups and downs, missing 20 games due to various reasons. However, when he was on the court, Thompson made a significant impact, leading to his selection for the league’s All-Rookie second team. Thompson was joined on the second team by other talented rookies, including Dereck Lively II, GG Jackson II, Keyonte George, and Cason Wallace. The first team was headlined by Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, Brandon Miller, Jaime Jaquez Jr., and Brandin Podziemski.
During the season, Thompson averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 53.6% from the field. While his three-point shooting percentage was low at 13.8%, Thompson excelled in his role as a starter, averaging 13.5 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists over 23 games. Thompson’s versatility was showcased when he moved to the wing position, using his length and athleticism defensively and as a lob threat in the pick and roll.
Despite his success as a wing, the Rockets plan for Thompson to transition back to his natural position as a point guard in the future. With three more years remaining on his rookie scale contract, the team has time to develop Thompson and unleash his full potential. The Rockets have team options on the next two years of Thompson’s contract and he will be eligible for an extension in 2027, showing the team’s commitment to his growth and development.
Currently, veteran point guard Fred VanVleet holds the starting position for the Rockets, brought in last summer on a lucrative three-year, $128.54 million contract to provide leadership and stability to the team. VanVleet’s impact was evident as the Rockets improved to a 41-41 record, but the team will eventually need to transition to Thompson as their future point guard. When this transition will occur remains uncertain, as VanVleet’s contract includes a team option on the third year, making it an expiring deal for potential trade purposes.
As Thompson continues to build on his rookie success, he is slated to be the primary guard off the bench for the Rockets next season. He will also see minutes at the wing, showcasing his versatility and ability to contribute in various roles on the court. The focus for Thompson now is to continue to improve and grow as a player, as the Rockets look towards a future where he can take over as their starting point guard and lead the team to further success.
