The Houston Rockets' front office reportedly views guard Amen Thompson as one of the ten most valuable players in the NBA, a belief that sharply contrasts with public analytics. This internal conviction emerges as the team processes a 78-98 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on May 2, 2026, which capped a recent run of two wins and three losses.
Public metrics do not support the Rockets' reported view. DataBallr's Daily Plus/Minus (DPM) has Thompson at +1.2, placing him in the 92nd percentile. That is a strong rating but far from the top tier. Dunks and Threes Estimated Plus/Minus (EPM) shows a similar +2.7, also in the 92nd percentile. For Thompson to be a top-10 player, the Rockets' proprietary data would need to place him near the 98th percentile, a significant statistical leap.
Thompson's development trajectory offers some clues. Compared to his 2023 draft class, only Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller rank higher in EPM percentile. He sits alongside other notable young talents like Scottie Barnes and Franz Wagner. His raw athleticism is elite, a foundational trait the Rockets are betting on. His ball-handling has visibly improved, allowing him to attack the rim more effectively than in his first two seasons.
The major obstacle remains his shooting. It was poor when he entered the league and it is still a problem. His three-point shooting has fluctuated between awful and historically bad. Midrange efficiency has been inconsistent. The Rockets have hired renowned shot doctor Chip Engelland, which provides hope. But elevating Thompson's shot to even a below-average level would be a major win for the development staff.
A more plausible internal view might be that Thompson is among the last ten players the franchise would consider trading. His two-way potential is immense if the shot develops even marginally. The Rockets' faith appears rooted in projectable athletic tools and defensive versatility that not all metrics capture fully. His performance in the recent playoff series, part of a 2-3 stretch ending with the May 2 loss, highlighted both his explosive plays and offensive limitations. Fans can track his progress and the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Thompson's path is not about becoming a pure shooter. It is about maximizing his unique physical gifts to impact winning. The Rockets' data suggests they see a star in the making, even if the public numbers tell a more cautious story. How he refines his game this offseason will be critical for a Houston team looking to build on a season that included a 115-96 win over the Lakers on April 27.
