Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson has been named the NBA's best perimeter defender and most athletic player in the league's annual General Manager survey. The results, released ahead of the 2026-27 season, show Thompson dominating the voting and cementing his status as a rising star on both ends of the court. This recognition comes as the Rockets build momentum in the preseason, including a 116-89 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on October 15.
The survey revealed overwhelming respect for Thompson from the league's top decision-makers. He secured 30% of the vote for best perimeter defender, beating out his twin brother Ausar Thompson and Alex Caruso, who each got 17%. His athleticism was even more undeniable, with a commanding 63% of GMs picking him as the most athletic player, far ahead of Anthony Edwards in second place with 20%.
Thompson also ranked highly in several other categories. He placed second for the player most likely to have a breakout season and was voted fourth for moving the ball fastest with the dribble. On defense, he was ranked as the second-most adaptable defender, trailing only the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama.
For a player entering just his fourth NBA season, this level of league-wide acclaim is significant. It validates the Rockets' development program and Coach Ime Udoka's defensive system. Udoka himself tied for second in the survey for the head coach with the best defensive schemes, while assistant Royal Ivey tied for third among assistants.
Thompson's defensive impact is already profound. At 6'7", he has the size to battle bigger wings and the rare speed to stay in front of shifty guards."best small forward" category.
The immediate focus is the final preseason tune-up, a home game against the Dallas Mavericks on October 21. After that, the real test begins. The GM survey suggests Thompson is on a trajectory toward individual accolades, with a real chance to compete for Defensive Player of the Year honors in the future.
Overcoming a dominant rim protector like Wembanyama for that award is tough for any perimeter player. But Thompson's unique combination of physical tools and high basketball IQ makes him a prime candidate. If he continues to develop his offensive game alongside his stifling defense, he could become the franchise cornerstone the Rockets envisioned. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full schedule on our schedule page as the new season tips off.
