The Houston Rockets have one of the best big three in the entire NBA. Let's take a quick look at them
Amen Thompson
Amen Thompson is one of the most versatile two-way players in the NBA. His seven-foot wingspan and explosive quickness allow him to guard multiple positions and take on some of the league’s toughest assignments.
Thompson held opponents to just 40.7% shooting from the field. Among players who defended at least 500 shots, he ranked best in the NBA.
Offensively, Thompson still has plenty to improve, but his finishing around the rim is already elite. He converted 71.2% of his attempts there, making him extremely difficult to stop when he gets downhill.
His biggest weakness is his shooting. He shot just 34.1% from midrange and 21.6% from three-point range last season. Houston recently hired Chip Engelland, known around the NBA as the “Shot Doctor,” to help improve hi shooting. If Engelland can turn Thompson into even a respectable perimeter shooter, it could completely change his offensive game. I already view Thompson as around a top-five shooting guard, and I would not be surprised if he pushes into the top three by the end of next season.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant remains one of the best forwards in basketball and one of the greatest players of his generation. Even with his 38th birthday approaching, Father Time has yet to slow him down significantly.
Last season, Durant averaged 26.0 points, 5.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists while shooting 52% from the field, 41% from three and 87% from the free-throw line. However, Houston does not need Durant carrying a massive workload every night.
The Rockets should manage Durant's minutes throughout the regular season and take advantage of the team's newfound depth. Reducing his regular-season workload could help preserve Durant for the postseason while giving Houston’s younger players more opportunities to develop.
Alperen Şengün
Alperen Şengün is coming off an All-Star season in which he averaged 20.4 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists. His elite passing and court vision make the 24-year-old one of the NBA’s most unique offensive centers. Şengün can dominate in the paint with his footwork and post moves, but his shooting remains the biggest area for improvement.
Defenses have been comfortable backing off him outside the paint, allowing them to clog driving lanes and limit his space.If Şengün wants to take another step toward superstardom, he needs to become a more reliable shooter.
That is where Houston’s hiring of Chip Engelland could be huge. Known as the “Shot Doctor,” Engelland has already begun working with Şengün on his shooting mechanics and consistency. If Engelland can help Şengün become a legitimate perimeter threat, defenses will have to guard him outside the perimeter, which would then create even more room for his post game, passing, and playmaking.
