Amen Thompson’s Rise Is Real - But His Jump Shot Will Decide Just How High He Can Go
The Houston Rockets have made waves this season-not just by landing Kevin Durant in a blockbuster move that immediately vaulted them into the championship conversation, but by watching their young core step into the spotlight with confidence and production. Alperen Sengun continues to evolve into a legitimate offensive hub.
Jabari Smith Jr. is finding his rhythm on both ends. Reed Sheppard is proving to be more than just a promising rookie.
But perhaps no young Rocket has taken on a bigger role-or more responsibility-than Amen Thompson.
With Fred VanVleet sidelined, Thompson has stepped into the starting point guard role and, for the most part, he’s delivered. Through 23 games, he’s averaging 17.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists.
That’s not just solid production-it’s a leap. The kind of leap that makes you sit up and wonder just how high this kid’s ceiling might be.
But here’s the thing: while Thompson’s athleticism, defensive instincts, and playmaking are already at an elite level, his jump shot remains the glaring hole in his game. And it’s not a small one.
The On-Ball Growth Is Real
Let’s start with what’s working. Thompson has shown a real feel for the game as a lead ball-handler.
He’s running the offense with poise, keeping turnovers down (just 2.5 per game), and making smart reads in the halfcourt. For a player still so early in his NBA journey, that’s no small feat.
He’s also thriving in the Rockets’ system as a cutter and rim-runner. With the defensive attention Durant and Sengun draw, Thompson is finding seams and attacking the paint with purpose. His speed and length make him a nightmare in transition, and his ability to finish at the rim is already a weapon.
Defensively, he’s everything Houston hoped for and more. He guards multiple positions, disrupts passing lanes, and brings a level of energy that sets the tone. He’s the kind of defender who changes games-whether it shows up in the box score or not.
But the Shooting? That’s the Swing Skill
Here’s where the conversation shifts. For all his gifts, Thompson is shooting just 18.8% from three-point range this season.
That number isn’t just low-it’s a red flag. And it doesn’t get much better in the mid-range, where he’s hitting just 29.7% of his shots between 10 feet and the arc.
In today’s NBA, spacing is everything. Defenses will live with Thompson taking jumpers if they know they don’t have to respect them.
That means sagging off, packing the paint, and cutting off the driving lanes that make him so dangerous. Without a reliable jumper, defenders can go under screens, help off the ball, and shrink the floor.
And that’s the challenge. Thompson doesn’t need to become Steph Curry.
He doesn’t even need to become an elite shooter. But if he can get to league average-say, around 35% from deep-it changes everything.
Suddenly defenders have to think twice. Suddenly that first step gets even more lethal.
Suddenly the floor opens up, and the Rockets’ offense becomes that much harder to guard.
The Path Forward
The good news? Thompson is still just in his third season.
There’s time. Shooting development is often the last piece to click for young players, especially ones who bring so much to the table in other areas.
His work ethic isn’t in question, and the Rockets’ player development program has already shown results with other young guys on the roster.
But the blueprint is clear now. If Thompson wants to make the leap from high-level role player to bona fide star, it’s going to come down to the jumper.
The rest of his game is already trending in the right direction. He’s showing he can handle the ball, make plays, defend at a high level, and contribute to winning basketball.
The Rockets don’t need him to be perfect. They just need him to be a threat. Because if he becomes even a respectable shooter, you’re looking at one of the most complete young guards in the league-and a key piece in Houston’s push for a title.
The ceiling is there. Whether Thompson reaches it will depend on whether he can make that shot fall.