Amen Thompson Set for All-Star Leap as Rockets' Lead Ball-Handler

Houston Rockets guard/forward Amen Thompson is poised for a significant leap in his third NBA season, potentially entering All-Star and Most Improved Player conversations. Despite a strong sophomore campaign where he averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.3 blocks across 69 games, Thompson's role is set to expand dramatically. With Fred VanVleet potentially missing the entire 2025-26 season due to a torn ACL, Thompson has a prime opportunity to earn heavy minutes as the lead ball-handler for a team featuring Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, and Jabari Smith. Recognized as one of the NBA's most explosive athletes, his dynamic two-way play, positional versatility, and strong defensive stats are expected to provide stellar all-around production, even if his three-point and free-throw percentages remain a challenge.