Amen Thompson has already established himself as one of Houston’s most important young players, but improving his shooting could unlock another level of his game.
The Houston Rockets' only untouchable player, Amen Thompson, is already one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, but his perimeter shooting is holding him back.
Thompson is an incredible athlete who can impact the game in several different ways. His explosiveness, length, and defensive ability make him one of Houston’s most important players. Still, opposing defenses have been able to exploit his biggest weakness by giving him plenty of space on the perimeter.
Thompson was recently interviewed about his shooting, and his statement was: “I know I'm going to be a good shooter”
Thompson shot just 34.1% from midrange and an abysmal 21.6% from three-point range last season. Defenders could often sag off him when he was away from the basket, clogging driving lanes and making it more difficult for him to use his athleticism.
Houston brought in the legendary shooting coach Chip Engelland this offseason to help improve the Rockets’ shooting. Engelland, who is widely known as the “Shot Doctor,” has built a reputation for helping NBA players improve their shooting mechanics and become more consistent from the perimeter.
I believe Thompson should be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Engelland’s arrival in Houston, especially when considering Thompson just signed a new massive contract worth over $200 million.
The Rockets do not need Thompson to suddenly become a 40% three-point shooter. Even becoming a respectable threat from outside would completely change the way defenses have to guard him.
Right now, defenders can afford to give Thompson several feet of space because they know he is more dangerous attacking the basket than shooting from the perimeter. If he starts knocking down open threes consistently, defenders will have to close out on him.
Thompson is already one of the most explosive players on the roster. If defenders have to respect his jumper, he will have more opportunities to attack closeouts and get downhill. His ability to finish around the rim, create for teammates, and make plays in transition could become even more effective with additional space.
Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists last season while establishing himself as one of Houston’s most important young players. He also earned All-Defensive First Team honors, showing how much of an impact he can already make without being an elite offensive player.
If Thompson can make that shooting leap, his offensive ceiling could rise dramatically. The Rockets already have a star in the making, and improving his jumper could be the development that takes Thompson from an exciting young player to one of the league’s most complete two-way stars
