Amen Thompson is the Houston Rockets' secret sauce

Ever since James Harden left, Houston Rockets fans have been asking the same question:

Who is the franchise player?

The query predates even Jalen Green. At one time, there were spirited debates about Christian Wood and Kevin Porter Jr. Are these franchise-changing talents?

Each answered with a resounding no. Since those (dark) days, the question has evolved. Green has looked the part at times. The operative words in that sentence are "at times". Green has been plagued by inconsistency since entering the NBA.

Alperen Sengun may be the answer. For the first three years of his career, his defense was rightly scrutinized. In his fourth season, Sengun has vastly improved on that end of the floor - although he's still inconsistent.

Jabari Smith Jr. feels like a lock to be a solid starter for years, but his creation skills are too limited to label him a franchise player. Cam Whitmore is a dark horse candidate, but his tunnel vision needs to be fixed.

Then, there's Amen Thompson.

Rockets' Amen Thompson flashing immense potential

Is he a franchise-caliber player? That remains to be seen. Thompson has improved as a shooter, but he remains comfortably below league average. His handle is functional, but it's unexceptional. To be a primary playmaker, Thompson would do well to at least develop a reliable midrange jumper.

Unless it doesn't matter at all.

In 2024-25, Thompson is averaging 15.9 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per 75 possessions. Those are impressive numbers for a sophomore. They're even more impressive considering Thompson's role.

He's hardly being deployed as a playmaker at all. Thompson is primarily an off-ball weapon. He's making the most of his on-ball reps as a slasher and secondary playmaker.

The slashing has been particularly impressive. Thompson is shooting 78.0% between 0-3 feet. For reference, 72.1% is the highest mark of Zion Williamson's career from the same area.

Is that a blueprint for Thompson offensively? Could he be such a dominant finisher that the rest of his offensive limitations are rendered inconsequential? It's possible:

But either way, he's going to be an impact player for the Rockets.

Thompson's impact is undeniable

The Rockets' best lineup this year has Thompson replacing Jalen Green in the starting lineup. When he plays with Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Smith Jr., and Sengun, the team is +31.1 in 116 possessions.

The Rockets' second-best lineup this year has him replacing Brooks. Take Brooks out and swap Green back in, and Houston is +9.0 in 101 possessions.

Throughout NBA history, we've seen players who found a niche that made them nearly as valuable as the team's best player. Nobody would deny that Steph Curry led the charge for the dynastic Warriors. Still, trading Draymond Green would have been nearly as laughable as a concept as trading Curry for their front office. The Bucks leaned on Giannis Antetokounmpo to win their title, but they surely understood that their plan wouldn't work without Jrue Holiday.

Thompson could be the Green to Reed Sheppard (or an outside hire's) Curry. He could be the Holiday to Sengun's Antetokounmpo. Yet, he could also be the Rockets' Giannis. Either way, he will inevitably be one of the team's most impactful players for years to come:

Franchise player or not.