Players are often talked about for what they can’t do rather than what they can do. For Houston Rockets forward Amen Thompson, it’s mostly his inability to shoot.
Certainly, Thompson’s long-range shot is definitely broken. And that may be an understatement.
13.8 percent from three-point range is not good.
He’s been very useful, though, and has found ways to contribute in other areas. For starters, he’s used his elite athleticism to push the pace and get to the basket, and he’s been very effective in that area.
He was also very effective on two-point shots, especially around the basket. However, his best asset may not have been mentioned yet.
His defense.
He already has the looks and temperament of an elite defender. In fact, he could very well turn into a defensive stalwart, as he has received rave reviews from basketball minds.
One of the best minds in basketball, Mike Shearer of Basketball Poetry, raved about Thompson’s defense in his recent article. see for yourself.
“Speaking of defense, Thompson was one of the best starting defenders we’ve ever seen. He was in the 95th percentile in defensive EPM (only Tari Eason was higher on the Rockets) and led the team in D-LEBRON.
Thompson earned Udoka’s trust through his performances with big names, frequently facing the likes of Devin Booker, Tyrese Haliburton, Kevin Durant and Jalen Williams. He posted excellent defensive numbers, averaging two steals and one block per 36 minutes.
Thompson can defend the length of the court and is already one of the best screen navigators in the game. Even when he gets brushed aside, his length and lateral quickness immediately bring him back into the action.
Despite the new positionless voting system, in which bigs take most of the spots on the defensive team, I’d be shocked if Thompson doesn’t get a nomination in the coming seasons.
By the way, if you’re not subscribed to Shearer’s substack, you should change that, because it’s one of the best out there.
And his description of Thompson is not an exaggeration. He has the potential to be just as good at it.
We should expect to see even more of his elite defense in his sophomore season.
