The NBA is making an Amen Thompson realization that Rockets fans know well

After a rocky start, the Houston Rockets have won five games in a row. Amen Thompson has looked like a budding superstar during the entire streak.

Through two games, there were concerns. There was rationalizing. Perhaps Thompson isn't a point guard. He's still an elite defensive wing. That will suffice, right?

Well, yes. If Thompson is a wing, that's fine. Much ink has been spilled over Thompson's long-term positional designation. One reality is becoming abundantly clear:

No matter where he lines up, he'll be a star.

Rockets' Amen Thompson is a star

Through those five games, Thompson is averaging 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.4 turnovers per game. He's +20.4.

This is the Amen Thompson we've been waiting for.

His season-long metrics haven't all caught up yet. Thompson's -0.3 Box Plus/Minus (BPM) is a significant departure from last year's 4.1. That's fine - it will catch up as Thompson continues to play quality basketball.

There's still an adjustment period. Thompson has a 23.3% Usage in 2025-26. That's a major uptick from 2024-25's 17.5%. Here's the encouraging part:

Thompson is adjusting well.

At first, that wasn't the case. By now, Thompson is handling his new role well. His assist percentage is up (24.5% vs 16.9%) and his turnover percentage is down (13.1% vs 14.6%). What started as a problematic season is turning into another impressive one for the young star.

What does it say about his future?

Amen Thompson is a Rockets cornerstone

Call him a point guard. Call him a point forward. Whatever you call him, don't call Thompson anything less than a cornerstone player for the Rockets.

When Kevin Durant retires, he will remain alongside Alperen Sengun. Ideally, the Rockets will retain Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason as well. If Reed Sheppard continues to make strides, he'll be in that group as well:

Still, if there are only two left, count on Thompson and Sengun.

Likely, Thompson will always struggle from beyond the arc. His 17.6% shooting from deep in 2025-26 has done nothing to alleviate those fears. As long as he can't hit threes, his status as a long-term primary playmaker will be in question.

That's fine. Thompson has proven himself to have enough offensive utility to compensate. He has value with and without the ball. Coupled with his elite defense, that makes him a budding superstar.

He's proven that over this five-game winning streak.