Rocket’s 2024-2025 season reviews continue with forward/guard Amen Thompson
After being drafted with the number four overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Amen Thompson’s rookie season was full of promise. When Alperen Sengun went down with a season ending injury, Thompson was inserterd into the starting lineup, where he thrived as a small-ball four, as he put up several noteworthy games to end the season. The Rockets knew then that they had a special player who would only get better. Fans and media alike were excited for his sophomore season, and Amen did not disappoint.
Coming off the bench to begin the 2024 season, Thompson and Tari Eason became one of the Rockets’ most potent off-the-shelf duos, known as the “Terror Twins.” Thompson and Eason wreaked havoc on the defensive end of the court and helped the Rockets vault to the top half of the Western Conference.
Like the previous season, the Rockets elected to insert Thompson into the starting lineup after an injury — this time when Jabari Smith Jr. injured his hand during practice following their New Year’s Day game. Thompson made the most of the move and rose to become one of the NBA’s top defensive players overall, no longer with the “young player” caveat. He garnered an NBA Defensive Player of the Month award.
On the attacking end of the court, he also got better. In his second season, Thompson’s points per game increased from 9.5 in the previous one to 14.1 in this one. Rebounding, assists, and steals per game all increased for Thompson, demonstrating his overall growth.
Thompson’s growth allowec Dillon Brooks to concentrate more on the offensive end of the court, as Thompson often took on the responsibility of covering the opposing team’s best wing or guard. The Rockets’ second-place finish in the competitive Western Conference was largely due to their newfound versatility spearheaded by Thompson’s outstanding two-way play.
Thompson demonstrated that his style of play works at any time of the year, despite the fact that he was participating in his first-ever postseason series. After settling in and learning what NBA Playoff basketball was all about, Thompson, who had a rough start to the series, emerged as one of the Rockets’ most reliable players starting at the conclusion of Game 4.
Another reason Thompson has a special skill set is because he not just an excellent defender and capable scorer, but also a pass-first forward. He recorded 24 double-digit board games and four double-digit assist games. Along the process, he recorded three triple-doubles and 20 double-doubles.
With 33 points against the Celtics on January 27, 16 rebounds (twice), and 7 steals in games against the Lakers on January 5 and the Cavaliers on January 22, Thompson set new single-game records.
Amen Thompson also received NBA All Defensive First Team honors alongside Cavaliers center Evan Mobley, Warriors forward Draymond Green, Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, and Thunder guard/forward Lu Dort.
With his rookie contract with the Rockets through 2027, Thompson is currently one of the league’s greatest deals. His flexibility on both the offensive and defensive ends has been impressive. Thompson’s name has been floated as the focal point of a potential star trade for the Rockets, specifically for Giannis Antetokounmpo, but after this kind of season, I believe Houston can fairly rule that out. The bloggers and beat writers for the other team will undoubtedly mention him in any possible Rockets trade rumors, but it will be more wishful thinking on their side than anything else.
Going ahead, I believe it’s reasonable to say that Amen is a part of Houston’s core. As the Rockets attempt to transform from a strong team that qualifies for the playoffs to a contender for a title, Thompson is only going to get better and has established himself as one of the team’s pillars.