The Houston Rockets’ rising stars are getting national recognition again. NBC Sports’ “Fantasy Basketball 2030” projections featured Alperen Sengun and Amen Thompson as players expected to dominate the league over the next five years. It’s a strong vote of confidence in the Rockets’ youth movement and how quickly their core has matured under coach Ime Udoka.
Sengun landed inside the projected top 10 for 2030, with NBC Sports praising his creative playmaking and elite post efficiency. Thompson, meanwhile, was singled out for his versatility, defense, and athletic upside, all qualities that have already started to reshape Houston’s identity. For a franchise that spent years rebuilding, these projections represent validation that its long-term plan is working.
Houston Rising Stars Shine in NBC 2030 Projections
Sengun’s rise from Turkish prodigy to cornerstone big man has been one of Houston’s best success stories. Indeed, at only 23, he’s already earned All-Star attention and built a reputation as one of the NBA’s most unique passing centers. Last season, he averaged around 21 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists, showing balance between inside scoring and playmaking.
NBC Sports’ projection sees Sengun evolving into a franchise centerpiece by 2030, capable of controlling tempo, drawing double teams, and running the offense through the high post. Moreover, his development aligns with Houston’s growing emphasis on ball movement and decision-making, giving Udoka’s system a cerebral anchor around which everything else flows.
Amen Thompson is the other half of Houston’s promising future. Known for his elite speed and defensive versatility, the 21-year-old has impressed scouts with his ability to guard multiple positions and ignite fast breaks. NBC projects him to be one of the league’s premier two-way players by 2030; someone who can average near triple-double production while dictating pace.
Thompson’s next steps are clear: refining his shooting form and expanding his perimeter consistency. In that case, Thompson’s ceiling rivals any young guard in the league. His explosiveness, coupled with poise beyond his years, gives Houston an identity rooted in aggression and balance on both ends.
NBC’s Top 10 by 2030
- Victor Wembanyama, San Antonio Spurs
- Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
- Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers
- Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
- Alperen Sengun, Houston Rockets
- Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets
- Chet Holmgren, Oklahoma City Thunder
A Promising Vision for the Next Era
The recognition of Houston’s rising stars goes beyond hype; it reinforces the idea that patience has paid off. Moreover, Udoka’s system is molding a team that values defense, versatility, and unselfishness, all traits embodied by Sengun and Thompson.
By 2030, NBC expects both players to be central to a contending Rockets team, one that pairs veteran leadership with homegrown talent. Although the path isn’t guaranteed, the blueprint is clear: invest in development, let young players lead, and trust their growth curve.
As the league looks ahead, Houston’s future no longer feels speculative: it feels inevitable.
© Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
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