The Houston Rockets made a giant transfer to enhance even after a second seed end through the 2024-25 season.
The Houston Rockets’ greatest offseason transfer was undoubtedly buying and selling Kevin Durant.
Durant’s management helps younger cores develop at a greater fee, making life simpler for head coach Imedoka.
Talking of younger cores, Amen Thompson is predicted to be in his third season with Rocket.
The fourth total choose within the 2023 NBA Draft was a powerful 2024-25 season with Rockets. In his second 12 months, he averaged 14.1 factors, 8.2 rebounds and three.8 assists per sport.
The 22-year-old additionally received an all-defensive crew choice whereas ending fifth within the NBA Defensive Participant of the 12 months race.
With Thompson’s unbelievable defensiveness in thoughts, an nameless panel of ESPN consultants voted him because the probably participant to win the NBA MIP Award subsequent season.
“Amen Thompson was the runaway winner on this class as he’s set to play a key position within the high-profile Rockets crew in 2025-26.
“Thompson has been in his third season within the NBA and is already leaping in his second 12 months, however he wasn’t even a full-time starter but,” writes ESPN’s Jamal Collier.
Collier added: “He is already established himself as an elite defensive participant, he has constructed an all-defensive crew and is at present top-of-the-line ball defenders within the league.”
Thompson scored 59 factors on the ballot, and Indiana Pacers star Andrew Nenbird completed second with 40 factors in his title.
Thompson has already proven off his abilities on the defensive facet of the ground, however he has but to leap to the opposite facet.
In line with Collier, sharing the court docket with Durant helps Thompson turn out to be a a lot better offensive participant.
“His offensive sport confirmed indicators of enchancment within the playoffs, and as he elevated his scoring common because the sequence progressed, he obtained a glimpse into the league what he may do on the opposite facet of the ball with higher handles and jumpers.
“It ought to be promoted given Thompson will play subsequent to Kevin Durant this season, which is a a lot better offensive centerpiece than final season,” Collier mentioned.
Thompson’s growth is essential to the Rockets as they intention to win the 2026 NBA Championship.
