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Second-year guard/forward Amen Thompson is turning heads around the NBA during his second season with the Houston Rockets.
As a starter in 2024-25, Thompson is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. He's doing all that for a winning team, as well, with the Rockets (44-25) currently at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.
Standing 6-foot-7 with elite athleticism and versatility, Thompson has spent time guarding players at literally every position over his two professional seasons. Offensively, he's proven capable of operating as both an off-ball frontcourt player and as a point guard.
And at just 22 years old, there's still considerable time for Thompson to get even better.
How much better? In comments on ESPN's First Take, veteran NBA media personality Stephen A. Smith said this week that he believes a Defensive Player of the Year Award is in Thompson's future.
Among Smith's comments:
Smith's complete commentary on the Rockets can be viewed below.
Thompson hasn't played since March 8 due to a left ankle sprain, but there's optimism that he could return as soon as this Friday's game in Miami.
More: ESPN: Rockets see elements of ‘Russell Westbrook at his peak’ in Amen Thompson’s future
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Stephen A. Smith: Amen Thompson is future Defensive Player of the Year
Continue reading...
As a starter in 2024-25, Thompson is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. He's doing all that for a winning team, as well, with the Rockets (44-25) currently at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.
Standing 6-foot-7 with elite athleticism and versatility, Thompson has spent time guarding players at literally every position over his two professional seasons. Offensively, he's proven capable of operating as both an off-ball frontcourt player and as a point guard.
And at just 22 years old, there's still considerable time for Thompson to get even better.
How much better? In comments on ESPN's First Take, veteran NBA media personality Stephen A. Smith said this week that he believes a Defensive Player of the Year Award is in Thompson's future.
Among Smith's comments:
Smith's complete commentary on the Rockets can be viewed below.
Thompson hasn't played since March 8 due to a left ankle sprain, but there's optimism that he could return as soon as this Friday's game in Miami.
More: ESPN: Rockets see elements of ‘Russell Westbrook at his peak’ in Amen Thompson’s future
This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Stephen A. Smith: Amen Thompson is future Defensive Player of the Year
Continue reading...
