3 Reasons the Houston Rockets should consider starting Amen Thompson next year

2. Defense

Thompson's offense is a work in progress. Defensively, he's already arrived.

Thompson's 2.7 steals per 100 possessions were seventh in the NBA - comfortably first among rookies. His 1.3 blocks per 100 possessions landed just outside of the league's top 50 (53rd). His Defensive Box Plus/Minus (DBPM) of 1.9 ranks 12th in the NBA.

He's already on the verge of All-Defensive candidacy. None of those numbers will surprise you if you watched the Rockets this year. Thompson's rare combination of athleticism, feel and instincts allow him to make plays on and off the ball, and guard multiple positions.

That's enough of a reason to start him in 2024-25. Sure, you give up some spacing. Even if Thompson isn't ready to handle the ball, you can keep him in that off-ball role.

His defense is reason enough to keep him in the starting lineup.