Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson is generating positive buzz for his improved shooting form as the team's 2026-27 training camp gets underway. This development is a major storyline for a Rockets squad looking to build on a first-round playoff loss, which ended with a 78-98 defeat to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026.
Teammate Reed Sheppard provided the encouraging report after Sunday's practice, noting visible changes in Thompson's physique and mechanics. "The shot looks really good," Sheppard said. "It's a lot smoother, and his body looks different. He also gained a lot of weight this summer." For Thompson, addressing his perimeter shooting is the clear next step after signing a five-year, $208 million extension this offseason.
Thompson's athleticism and defensive versatility are already elite. He averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.5 steals per game last season. His main offensive limitation has been a consistent three-point shot, where he connected on just 21.6% of attempts. This allowed defenses to sag off him, clogging driving lanes for himself and others. Improving that shot would force defenders to play him honestly, unlocking his full offensive potential and creating more space for primary scorers like Kevin Durant and Alperen Sengun. The Rockets' recent form of two wins and three losses in their last five playoff games, a sequence of LWWLL, highlighted the need for more consistent scoring options.
Thompson himself addressed the constant focus on his shooting during his media availability. He expressed confidence in the work he's put in and his eventual results. "I mean, yeah, they've got to talk about something," Thompson said. "So, I feel like I'm really good at a lot of things." His mindset suggests a player focused on holistic improvement rather than being defined by a single weakness.
Training camp observations are just the first step. The Rockets' playoff series against the Lakers was a tough battle, featuring close games like a 108-112 loss on April 25 and a 93-99 win on April 30. For Houston to advance further, they'll need Thompson to evolve into a reliable third scoring option. His ability to stretch the floor could be the difference in tight playoff contests. Fans can track his and the team's progress throughout the year on our stats page. This season presents a clear opportunity for Thompson to silence the critics and take the leap from exciting talent to bona fide All-Star.
