Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson is targeting NBA superstardom after signing a five-year, $208 million contract extension this offseason. The 23-year-old's development is central to the franchise's future, especially after a recent 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, left the team with a 2-3 record in its last five games (LWWLL).
Thompson made significant strides last season, averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals over 79 games. That performance landed him in the top 10 for Defensive Player of the Year voting. But true stardom requires playoff success. The belief is that Thompson can cement his status by leading the Rockets on a deep postseason run and competing fiercely against the Western Conference's elite.
One analyst suggests that if Houston escapes the first round and pushes a top contender like the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs, Thompson will prove he's the franchise's cornerstone. Both those teams won over 60 games last season in a loaded conference. A potential 2027 conference finals matchup could provide that exact stage.
For all his potential, Thompson's current output has clear room for growth. His career three-point shooting sits at just 21.9%, a major weakness in his offensive arsenal. Improving that outside shot is a priority, and Rockets assistant coach Chip Engelland could be key in refining his mechanics.
Scoring volume is another area. If Thompson is to become Houston's undisputed first option, he'll need to increase his point production. The Rockets still lean heavily on 37-year-old Kevin Durant to drive the offense, a dynamic Thompson must eventually shift.
The team's recent results highlight the competitive challenge ahead. After a 99-93 road win over the Lakers on April 30, Houston fell hard in the rematch. The 20-point loss on May 2 showed the consistency needed for a long playoff campaign. The recent five-game sequence against Los Angeles was a tight battle, with the Rockets securing wins on April 27 (115-96) and April 30, but dropping the other three contests.
This up-and-down form shows the work ahead. Thompson's leap from promising talent to franchise leader is the single biggest factor in turning those narrow losses into wins. Fans can track the team's progress and upcoming schedule on our schedule page. His ability to elevate his game, particularly his shooting, will directly impact Houston's ceiling in the brutal Western Conference playoff picture.
