Amen Thompson is the key to unlocking Houston's full potential

With the Houston Rockets’ season set to begin Wednesday at home against the Dallas Mavericks, there are many angles to discuss. Early in September, Amen Thompson agreed to a 5-year, $208 million contract extension to remain in Houston, and that will come with a ton of pressure to step up as a leader. This past Thursday, the Oklahoma City Thunder took on the Rockets in what was both teams’ preseason finales, and it presented the fans in Houston with insight into an area the team needed to improve.

Thompson had an alright stat line under the circumstances: in 22 minutes, he had 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists. The most underwhelming part of Thompson’s game is his shooting. Overall, the Rockets have lacked in this area and it has held them back in key moments. While he was only 0-for-1 from the 3-point line, the concern is his lack of attempts especially when you consider the rest of the team.

Houston needs to hit (and let it fly) from deep

Given Houston beat Oklahoma City 116-89, the stats make it hard to see how this will work long term. Houston shot a combined 17/53 from 3, and yes while this is just a preseason game, this cannot be how they operate. Last season, Thompson looked great with averages of 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game but now that he is getting paid the way he is, he has to open up his game more.

We already know the defense is there; Thompson was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2025 after his second NBA season. He's also an elite inside scorer who can be effective in the paint. All great stuff, but at the end of the day it has shown it will not be enough to beat the top teams in the league. Teams like the Thunder and the San Antonio Spurs have shooters that complement their star player, so there is not just pressure on one guy.

Will Amen take the leap Houston needs?

The Rockets need Thompson to become a well-rounded threat, and he is right at the doorstep. If Houston wants to make it far this year, EVERYONE has to step up in this area, not just Thompson. There is no way to predict what will happen; maybe it is a trade for someone, maybe Fred VanVleet was the missing piece, and maybe even a coaching change if things start to go awry.

Either way, Thompson needs to be part of the answer with another offensive jump. Ideally it will involve more shooting but either way, the Rockets need him to make their offense hum a bit better.

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