The Houston Rockets have made a significant commitment to their future by signing Amen Thompson to a five-year, $208 million contract extension. This deal, announced on Thursday afternoon, secures one of the team's promising young talents, highlighting the Rockets' belief in Thompson's potential as a cornerstone of their franchise.
At just 23 years old, Thompson has already made a name for himself as one of the league's premier defenders. His defensive prowess has been a key asset for the Rockets, who are looking to build a competitive roster around him. However, despite his defensive skills, Thompson's offensive game remains a work in progress, particularly his shooting ability.
In light of Thompson's new contract, former Rockets player Joe Johnson shared his insights on the Night Cap podcast with Shannon Sharpe. Johnson emphasized the importance of Thompson focusing on improving his jump shot during the offseason. "All he should be doing is putting up jump shots, you know, this summer. I mean, because look, that tells me one thing. The Houston Rockets really believe that he is like that. You know, invest that type of money into you. Come on, bro. You got to develop this jumper. They going to need that," Johnson advised.
Johnson went on to elaborate on the nuances of shooting mechanics, suggesting that even small adjustments could lead to significant improvements. He highlighted the importance of technique, mentioning that Thompson should focus on how he holds the ball before shooting. "It could be some of the smallest, minute things. It could be the way he holds the ball before he shoots. It could be (that) he got too much hand on his ball before he shoot, you wanna use your fingertips," Johnson explained. He stressed that consistent practice and repetition are crucial for Thompson's development.
Kevin Durant, Thompson's teammate, expressed his enthusiasm for the young guard's new contract on social media, indicating that expectations for Thompson will be higher moving into the upcoming season. Durant shared a message on his Instagram story, stating, "Don’t wanna hear a word, everything on twin all year," suggesting that he believes in Thompson's potential to rise to the occasion.
During the 2025-26 NBA season, Thompson showcased his abilities by averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game, with an impressive shooting percentage of 53.4% from the field. However, his three-point shooting remains a concern, as he has yet to exceed 27.5% from beyond the arc in his career. This aspect of his game is particularly crucial as the Rockets aim to improve their offensive efficiency.
With Thompson's extension, the Houston Rockets are solidifying a core that includes Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason for the foreseeable future. The team also secured Kevin Durant with a two-year, $90 million extension in 2025, which includes a $46 million player option for the 2027-28 season. This strategic move indicates the Rockets' commitment to building a competitive team capable of contending in the NBA.
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