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ESPN experts predict Houston Rockets star to win Most Improved Player award despite Kevin Durant trade

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aikansh Chaudhary | Last updated Aug 28, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Houston Rockets made significant moves to improve even after a second-seed finish during the 2024-25 season.

The biggest offseason move for the Houston Rockets was undoubtedly trading for Kevin Durant, as it gives them an elite scorer with years of experience under his belt.

Durant’s leadership will aid the young core in developing at a better rate and make life easier for head coach Ime Udoka.

Speaking of the young core, Amen Thompson is expected to take a leap in his third season with the Rockets.

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Amen Thompson is viewed as the top candidate to win the NBA Most Improved Player award

The No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft had an impressive 2024-25 season with the Rockets. In Year 2, he averaged 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.

The 22-year-old also earned an All-Defensive team selection while finishing fifth in the NBA Defensive Player of the Year race.

Keeping Thompson’s incredible defensive prowess in mind, an anonymous panel of ESPN experts voted him as the most likely player to win the NBA’s MIP award next season.

“Amen Thompson was a runaway winner in this category, as he is slated to play a significant role for a Rockets team with high expectations in 2025-26.

“Thompson will be entering his third season in the NBA, having already taken a jump in Year 2, and he hasn’t even been a full-time starter yet,” ESPN’s Jamal Collier wrote.

Collier added: “He has already established himself as an elite defensive player, making the All-Defensive team and is currently one of the best on-ball defenders in the league.”

Thompson received 59 points in the voting, and Indiana Pacers star Andrew Nembhard finished second with 40 points to his name.

ESPN experts believe Amen Thompson will benefit from playing with Kevin Durant

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While Thompson has already flaunted his skills on the defensive end of the floor, he’s yet to take a leap on the other end.

According to Collier, sharing the court with Durant will help Thompson become a much better offensive player.

“His offensive game showed signs of improvement in the playoffs, with better handles and a jumper as he upped his scoring averages as the series went on, giving the league a glimpse of what he can do on the other side of the ball.

“That should be elevated, considering Thompson will be playing next to Kevin Durant this season, a much better offensive centerpiece for Houston than it had last season,” Collier stated.

Thompson’s development will be key for the Rockets as they aim to win the 2026 NBA Championship.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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