Jabari Smith Jr. on what he has spotted about Amen Thompson in practice, could make Rockets ‘totally different team’

Jabari Smith Jr. says Amen Thompson has ‘a lot more confidence’ in his shot

The Rockets also have a collection of great young talent.

Even though they had to part ways with Jalen Green to get Durant, the Rockets were able to keep their other young enticing pieces.

Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson all remain as this young core will be in the spotlight this season.

Especially Amen Thompson, who has elite two-way potential with his elite athleticism, defensive playmaking and impressive transition game.

If Thompson can get his shooting going, he can become a star. Smith Jr. talked about Thompson’s jump shot and what he’s seen so far.

“He has a lot more confidence in it, especially his mid-range coming off of pick-and-rolls.

“It looks a lot better, a lot more fluid.

“If he’s making shots, it makes us a totally different team, and him a totally different player.”

Amen Thompson will have a bigger role this season with the loss of Fred VanVleet

Fred VanVleet suffered a torn ACL and is likely going to be out for the entire 2025-26 NBA season.

Barring Reed Sheppard having a massive breakout in training camp, Thompson projects to be the starting point guard this season.

Thompson worked on being a better lead guard this summer. The Rockets will be dependent on him to perform offensively, so him getting confident with his perimeter shot could be a huge asset.

If Thompson wants to be successful at the point this season, he needs his outside shooting to come along, which in turn will take his game to a whole other level.