Amen Thompson’s Shooting Tests the Rockets’ Early Success
On November 3, Houston’s 7-1 start has put the Rockets atop the Western Conference, while Amen Thompson’s 28% three-point shooting raises questions about his fit as the season progresses.
The Houston Rockets have opened the season 7-1 and sit first in the Western Conference, with Amen Thompson contributing as a rising player on a team that has started strongly. He is shooting 53% from the field, but just 28% from three-point range, keeping his perimeter shot under scrutiny.
Thompson has not shot better than 28% from three in a full NBA season. His athleticism, ability to attack the rim, passing, rebounding and defense help balance the shooting weakness. One assessment said his jump shot has shown little progress from beyond 10 to 15 feet, and argued that the limitation could restrict his playmaking and become more serious in the playoffs.
Other assessments were less concerned about the issue in the short term. Thompson is taking relatively few threes and is succeeding by playing to his strengths, while creating 25.9 points per night for Houston and contributing as one of the league’s best defenders. An improved shot would help both him and the team, but his current shooting has not been described as a problem holding back the Rockets.
The concern is that playoff opponents may have more time to prepare and could leave Thompson open while directing defensive help toward other players. Houston may be able to manage the issue during the regular season, but Thompson’s ability to become a more reliable perimeter threat could matter more when defenses tighten.