The Houston Rocket was thought-about a robust Western Convention candidate earlier than the season started.
However they obtained catastrophic information a month earlier than the tip-off when starter level guard Fred Van Vriet was significantly injured and put him apart all through the season.
The harm represents a significant loss for Rocket as there’s a lack of gamers like VanVriet capable of deal with playmaking legal responsibility.
Aaron Vacation and Reed Shepherd are choices obtainable, however neither of them have the expertise to behave as a significant level guard.
NBA insider Tim Bontemps believes that Amen Thompson may deal with rocket ball dealing with duties and earn All-Star recognition in his expanded function.
Thompson is in fact a ahead, however he ranked third within the staff for assists per sport final season, retaining monitor of Vanbeat and Alperensengun.
“Clearly, it is actually dangerous information for each Fred and the Rockets. Fred Vanvriet suffers this harm and can seemingly miss the season,” defined Bontemps.
“I believe this harm will imply that Amen Thompson will create an All-Star staff, in all probability as a result of he is at all times making an attempt to get the ball.”
“Frankly, in the event that they enter the season with one thing apart from ‘we’ll give the ball to Amen Thompson and he will run the staff’, I will be uncertain,” he added.
Thompson averaged 3.8 assists per sport alongside 14.1 factors, 8.2 rebounds and 1.4 metal final season, incomes All-NBA defensive first-team honors.
Main Space Thompsons must be improved as ball safety is included of their main ball handlers. He averaged 2.0 turnovers per sport final season.
If Thompson is retaining double-digit scoring manufacturing, or if he is growing it as deliberate, he may truly win All-Star consideration in his expanded roles, whereas enhancing his turnover charge.
His presence can even profit younger gamers like Shepherd.
“I believe placing Reed Shepherd as some extent guard to start out the season places an excessive amount of stress on him,” Bontemps mentioned.
Thompson’s mixture of defensive excellence, versatile scoring means, and growth of playmaking abilities can increase his particular person perceptions to an All-Star stage, whereas additionally positioning him as Houston’s best choice to interchange VanVriet’s manufacturing.
