The Houston Rockets' 2026 playoff run ended with a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, shifting focus to offseason development for young stars like Amen Thompson. His jump shot remains the single biggest question mark for the team's long-term ceiling. Thompson, who recently signed a five-year, $208 million extension, is set to be a central piece of the franchise's plans, making his shooting progress a major storyline.
Fans should not expect Amen Thompson to transform into a knockdown three-point shooter overnight. The goal is more modest but vital. Last season, he shot just 21.6% from three-point range. It would force defenders to close out, creating more driving lanes for Thompson and his teammates. Historical comparisons are tricky. Kawhi Leonard made a legendary leap with coach Chip Engelland, but he's a massive outlier. LeBron James didn't shoot near league average until his ninth season. Tobias Harris found consistency around age 25. Thompson will be 24 in his fourth NBA season, placing him on a unique timeline.
The Rockets' recent form of 2 wins and 3 losses in their last five games shows a team still finding its way. Their offense can stagnate when opponents ignore non-shooters. Thompson's explosive athleticism is undeniable, but defenses sag off him, clogging the paint for Alperen Şengün and cutting off driving lanes for Jalen Green. If Thompson can become even a reluctant but respectable shooter, it changes everything. It opens the floor. It makes the Rockets' attack, which can be seen in detail on our stats page, far more dynamic and less predictable. His $208 million investment hinges on this development. The team doesn't need him to be Stephen Curry. They need him to make defenses pay for leaving him alone.
Thompson has worked with renowned shooting coach Chip Engelland, which is a positive sign. However, Engelland's greatest success stories often started their work earlier in a player's career. This presents perhaps Engelland's toughest challenge yet. The process won't be about a total overhaul by the 2026-27 opener. It's about incremental, tangible gains. Repetition and building muscle memory for a more consistent release point are key. The Rockets' coaching staff will likely design actions to get Thompson moving into his shot or taking more mid-range attempts to build confidence. Progress might be slow and non-linear. A hot shooting stretch in December could be followed by a cold January. The important metric is the season-long trend on those wide-open chances.
With the playoff loss to the Lakers fresh, the Rockets' offseason is about addressing clear weaknesses. Thompson's jumper is at the top of that list. His development directly impacts how Head Coach Ime Udoka constructs lineups and closes games. Can Thompson be on the floor in clutch moments if he's a liability from the perimeter? Improving to even a 28% three-point shooter makes that decision much easier. It also affects roster construction. If the team believes in internal growth, they may avoid chasing another ball-dominant guard. The Rockets' upcoming schedule will provide the first real tests of any summer progress. The core is young, and improvement is expected. But placing unrealistic demands on Thompson, like a sudden leap to 38% shooting, sets everyone up for disappointment. The focus should be on making the open shot a good shot for Houston's offense.
