The Houston Rockets possess one of the NBA's most promising young cores, with shooting guards Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard making huge leaps to potentially form the league's best backcourt. Their development is a bright spot for the team, which recently concluded a hard-fought playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, finishing that run with a 78-98 loss on May 2, 2026. The team's recent form over its last five games stands at two wins and three losses.
Amen Thompson solidified himself as a top-tier two-way player last season. His seven-foot wingspan and explosive quickness made him a defensive stopper. Thompson held opponents to a league-best 40.7% shooting from the field among players who defended at least 500 shots. Offensively, he is a force attacking the rim, finishing 71.2% of his attempts there.
His main area for growth remains perimeter shooting. Thompson shot just 34.1% from mid-range and 21.6% from three-point range last season. This is where the Rockets' hiring of Chip Engelland becomes so important. Known as the 'Shot Doctor,' Engelland has a proven track record of improving players' mechanics and confidence. If Thompson becomes a respectable outside threat, he could jump into the top three shooting guards in the NBA.
Reed Sheppard made his own massive leap, now ranked among the top 25 shooting guards. An elite three-point shooter, he averaged 13.5 points while hitting 39.4% from deep. With Marcus Smart on the roster, Sheppard is expected to primarily play the two-guard spot. Many predict he will be a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Thompson and Sheppard complement each other perfectly with almost opposite skill sets. Thompson is an athletic, defensive-minded slasher. Sheppard is a high-IQ, elite shooter who spaces the floor. This yin-and-ang dynamic creates nightmares for opposing defenses. Both are very young and possess extremely high potential, giving the Rockets a long-term foundation.
The duo's rise comes as the team handles a competitive Western Conference. The recent playoff series against the Lakers was a learning experience, featuring close games like a 99-93 road win on April 30 and a tough 112-108 home loss on April 25.
The future is exceptionally bright. With Chip Engelland's guidance, Amen Thompson's shooting flaws could be corrected, unlocking his All-NBA ceiling. Reed Sheppard's role as a microwave scorer off the bench provides a reliable spark. Together, they form a versatile and dangerous pairing that can impact games in multiple ways.
Expect Thompson to challenge for an All-Defensive team spot while improving his offensive consistency. Sheppard will look to build on his rookie success and solidify his place as one of the league's premier bench threats. The Rockets' investment in this young backcourt is already paying dividends. It is not a stretch to say Houston will have the best shooting guard room in the NBA very soon. Their development will be key as the team aims to climb the standings in the seasons ahead.
