The Houston Rockets have one of the most exciting and promising young cores in the NBA right now, and Amen Thompson is at the center of it all.
The second-year star is having a terrific season on both ends of the court, but his defensive power is really something remarkable.
As noted by StatMamba, per Hoop Central, players are shooting 40.1 percent from the field when guarded by Thompson this season, which is the lowest in the whole NBA.
The Rockets are a team that can score well, but Thompson is proving they have true defensive skills too.
Players are shooting 40.1% FG when guarded by Amen Thompson this season, the lowest in the NBA, per @StatMamba.
Amen Thompson is an ELITE defender. 🔒 pic.twitter.com/56LGwS5eGu
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) February 27, 2025
For the season, Thompson is averaging 14.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists.
Those numbers are all quite a bit better than what he was doing last year with his 2023-24 average of 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists.
There is a reason why Thompson was selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft.
It’s because teams see his potential and know that he can be a two-way player who doesn’t just score.
His defense is top-notch, and he has great determination, aggression, and foresight.
When he is tasked with guarding a player, nothing gets in Thompson’s way, and no one can slow him down.
He has a youthful enthusiasm that is terrific, but his physicality is strong too.
The Rockets have been attempting to deliver on their potential all season and are currently the fifth team in the West with a 37-22 record.
They are doing well, but they still have room to grow.
Their future might be very bright, especially if Thompson is a part of it and keeps defending like he has been this season.
NEXT: Stats Show A Worrisome Trend For Rockets Over The Past Month