Iman Shumpert admits Amen Thompson reminds him of former number one overall draft pick

Shumpert knows Thompson still has more untapped potential

In his first two years, Thompson has proven he is one of the league’s most athletic players. That has translated well into the league, as he has been an elite defender from the jump. Offensively, he is at his best as a transition threat and a cutter.

Thompson knows his role, but he has expanded on his game in the 2024-25 season. He will probably keep playing that role, as an elite defender and cutter in the current system.

With Durant as the star player, most of the attention will be on him. This leaves opportunities for other players to shine, such as Thompson with his cuts.

The 22-year-old has all the potential in the world, especially with his physical attributes and the right attitude. That is what Shumpert is excited about, as he feels Thompson has the raw attributes like Andrew Wiggins.

“I think that he reminds me so much of the gifts that I saw Andrew Wiggins had, where it’s like you don’t even know why you’re that good yet,” Shumpert said on NBA Today.

The scary thing is he has that mean streak, and he has that grit, like I’ll die on the canvas. I didn’t see that in Wiggins, and it’s no knock to Drew. Different caliber of that dog energy, I’m excited to see next to Kevin Durant.”

The Rockets could be a championship contender in the 2025-26 season

Ahead of the 2025-26 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to win the championship again. However, they have a target on their backs now, so other teams could have surprising campaigns.

The Rockets are among those teams, as they have all the tools to have another strong season. They were the distant second seed behind the Thunder in the 2024-25 campaign, but they want to close the gap. Durant could be the leader, but Thompson having another breakout campaign could contribute to that.

With Ime Udoka as the Rockets’ head coach, Houston could contend for a championship. He already led the Boston Celtics to the 2022 Finals, so he could do it again with this Rockets roster.

If they can realize their potential with Thompson, Durant, and Sengun as the big three, the Rockets are dangerous.