Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson has been ranked as the fourth-best shooting guard in the NBA heading into the 2026-27 season. The ranking, published by HoopsHype, places the 23-year-old behind only Anthony Edwards, Donovan Mitchell, and Devin Booker. Thompson's recognition comes as the Rockets look to build on a recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five outings, with their last result a 78-98 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
Last season, Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 53.4% shooting from the field over 79 games. His defensive impact was significant, earning him a second straight top-10 finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting. Frank Urbina of HoopsHype wrote the analysis that placed Thompson so high on the list.
Why is Amen Thompson ranked so highly?
Frank Urbina's rationale focuses on Thompson's unique physical tools and offensive confidence. He described Thompson as a "6-foot-7 freak athlete with ridiculous burst and body control." The report labels him an elite slasher and an effective pull-up scorer from the midrange.
Urbina stated that Thompson's all-around impact is so great that an outside shot is the only thing holding him back from All-Star recognition. "If he were just able to shoot it from the outside, there’s little doubt he would have an All-Star appearance under his belt by now, if not an All-NBA nod," Urbina wrote. This high praise underscores the belief in Thompson's foundational skills.
What is Thompson's main area for improvement?
The report is clear that three-point shooting remains Thompson's biggest weakness. Last season, he connected on just 21.6% of his attempts from beyond the arc, averaging 1.5 tries per game. This inefficiency and low volume can limit spacing for the Rockets' offense.
Improving that percentage is the clear next step for his development. Becoming a credible threat from the perimeter would force defenses to respect him on the outside, opening up even more driving lanes for his explosive attacks on the basket. It's the key that could unlock his full All-Star potential.
What does this mean for the Houston Rockets?
Having a player ranked among the top five at his position is a major asset for the Rockets' future. Thompson's ranking suggests he has the potential to reach the same elite status as the players ahead of him. His continued growth is central to the team's plans.
The Rockets' recent form shows they are a team in flux, and Thompson's ascent provides a bright spot. His ability to impact the game on both ends makes him a cornerstone. Fans can track his and the team's progress through the season on our [stats](/stats) and [standings](/standings) pages. Building a consistent winner around talents like Thompson is the next challenge.
What comes next for Amen Thompson?
The upcoming season is a huge opportunity for Thompson to prove the rankings right. He will need to demonstrate tangible progress in his outside shot while maintaining his defensive intensity and slashing prowess. The competition within the Western Conference is fierce.
Facing off against the other top guards on the list will be a great measuring stick. His performance could be a deciding factor in whether the Rockets can improve their record and make a push in the competitive landscape. All eyes will be on his development when the new season tips off.
