Houston Rockets Face Tough Questions About Amen Thompson’s Development

The Houston Rockets are enjoying a season filled with renewed optimism, but one storyline continues to spark debate among fans: how Amen Thompson fits into the team’s long-term plans. The 21-year-old guard has all the physical tools and defensive instincts to become a franchise cornerstone. Yet his role has become increasingly complicated as the roster evolves and the team pushes toward contention in Houston.

Thompson’s strengths are clear. He defends at an elite level, attacks the rim with force, and thrives in transition. But as the Rockets shift toward more half-court offense under head coach Ime Udoka, Thompson’s limited shooting range becomes harder to hide. The concern raised by analysts is simple: if Houston doesn’t carve out consistent ball-handling reps for him, his development as a lead creator may stall.

Why Thompson’s Role Has Become Complicated

The addition of Fred VanVleet last season put Thompson in a secondary playmaking role. Now, with Jalen Green heating up and Alperen Şengün dominating possessions, Thompson’s offensive touches are even more limited. The Rockets need his defense on the floor, but spacing suffers when opponents sag off him.

This leaves the coaching staff with a challenging balance: maximize team performance today or build a runway for Thompson’s long-term growth. If the Rockets want him to become a point-forward centerpiece, he must get more opportunities to initiate the offense. Without that, he risks becoming a defensive specialist rather than the all-around star many projected.

What’s Next for Houston?

The front office invested heavily in Thompson with the No. 4 pick for a reason. The Rockets believe he can become a transformative player. But to unlock that ceiling, they must make intentional decisions about how they develop him over the next two seasons.

Whether Houston adjusts its offensive structure or experiments with new lineups, Thompson’s trajectory could shape the future of the franchise. Fans hoping to see him blossom into a true two-way star will be watching closely as the season unfolds.

This article is a summary of reporting by Space City Scoop. Read the full story here.