Amen Thompson entered 2024-25 as an intriguing young piece for head coach Ime Udoka and the Houston Rockets. Recent weeks suggest Thompson is an ascendant star.
Houston's second-year wing started 11 games this month in place of injured forward Jabari Smith Jr. entering Thursday night. The Rockets won nine of them. Thompson averages 18.5 points and 10.9 rebounds per game in that span, and his highlight reel is replete with acrobatic layups, transition steals and scores and a game-winning shot at the defending-champion Boston Celtics. The Rockets continue to ascend the Western Conference standings.