Amen Thompson continues to prove his biggest question isn't a concern for the Rockets

The Houston Rockets have drafted a lot of flawed players in recent years.

That sounds like a harsher criticism than it should. Most NBA players are flawed. Nikola Jokic can be exploited defensively, and teams are comfortable with Giannis Antetokounmpo shooting threes.

From a Rockets' point of view - Jalen Green is inconsistent and has poor playmaking vision. Alperen Sengun has improved on defense, but can still struggle in the pick-and-roll. Jabari Smith Jr. struggles to create his own shot.

Then, there's Amen Thompson. He can't shoot. In the eyes of some, that was supposed to be the most fatal flaw of all.

So far, Thompson is proving those doubters wrong.

Thompson is thriving even without a jumper

Thompson has earned a starting nod in Jabari Smith Jr.'s recent injury. He's started 6 total games in 2024-25. How has he fared?

Interesting. Still, six games is a small sample. How has Thompson done as a starter in the totality of his NBA career to date?

Very interesting. So, Thompson has been productive as a starter. The significance of that reality can't be overstated. Rockets fans know exactly how badly young players can struggle in the NBA.

Not Thompson. He's got a Box Plus/Minus (BPM) of 2.8 in 2024-25. Disregard his potential - Thompson is already a highly productive NBA player.

Does he even need a jumper?

Rockets' Thompson still has room to grow

Define "need".

Thompson does not need a reliable jump shot to be a starting-caliber NBA player. He likely doesn't even need one to be a star - or at least, some variation of a star.

The proof of that claim is in the pudding. Thompson is on track for stardom despite his shaky jump shot. Generally, a player on his statistical trajectory is going to reach that level.

Now, if you're holding out hope that Thompson will be a lead ball-handler, that's a different story. In 2025, it's difficult to assume that role without a jumper. If the Rockets put the ball in Thompson's hands on a full-time basis, opponents will pack the paint and dare him to shoot.

The Bucks got around Antetokounmpo's limitations by pairing him with Brook Lopez. It's harder to pack the paint against an elite finisher when all of his teammates can shoot. Before you dismiss that comparison, consider that Thompson is shooting 78.5% on field goals between 0 and 3 feet. It took Antetokoumnpo five NBA seasons to eclipse 75%, and even this season, he's at 73.9%.

Yes, caveats apply. Antetokoumnpo has taken many more shots around the rim than Thompson. He has less luxury to pick his spots - the Bucks' offense has revolved around his dunk and layup attempts for years. Still, the fact that Thompson's name can be said in the same breath as Antetokoumnpo's as a finisher speaks volumes.

Unfortunately, pairing him with a Lopez could be problematic for the Rockets. Thompson's best teammate is Alperen Sengun, and he's struggled to find his footing from three-point range.

Yet, somehow, the Rockets are thriving with Thompson starting alongside him. When Jabari Smith Jr. returns, the Rockets will likely preserve continuity by slotting him back into the starting lineup. That's fine, but by next season, they need to have found a starting role for Thompson. He could replace any of Smith Jr. Dillon Brooks or Fred VanVleet - a testament to how versatile Thompson is.

He may not be much of a shooter, but he does everything else on the basketball floor.