Rockets Notes: Amen Thompson, Reed Sheppard, defense

The Rockets waited until the last minute but made it official. Both Amen Thompson and Reed Sheppard are locked in for 2026-27.

Houston picked up Thompson’s fourth-year option and Sheppard’s third-year option, as relayed by Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle. The move was a formality more than a surprise.

Thompson, the No. 4 pick in 2023, is viewed as a cornerstone piece and will earn $12.26 million in 2026-27. Sheppard, drafted third overall a year later, comes in at $11.1 million.

Thompson continues to justify the investment, averaging 14.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists through four games this season. He earned All-Defensive First Team honors last year and is eligible for a rookie-scale extension in 2026.

Sheppard, meanwhile, has been thrust into more responsibility following Fred VanVleet’s ACL injury, averaging 10.0 points and 3.5 assists while shooting 36.4% from deep.

Houston will still have one more call to make on Sheppard next fall, when his 2027-28 option — worth a little over $14 million — comes due.

Finding their rhythm

After dropping their first two games, the Rockets have bounced back with wins over the Nets and Raptors. It’s early, but Ime Udoka’s group is starting to settle in despite major lineup shifts.

The backcourt rotation remains a work in progress. With VanVleet sidelined, Houston has leaned on Sheppard and Josh Okogie for minutes off the bench. The results have been uneven, but there’s no panic.

“The Rockets’ offense has been nothing short of elite, but the defense has certainly taken a hit,” wrote Hunter Patterson of The Athletic.

Patterson expects the defense to stabilize as rotations tighten, noting that Alperen Sengun is the only starter currently grading as a plus defender by box plus-minus metrics.

Houston enters the week with a 125.2 offensive rating, ranking among the league’s best. Kevin Durant has opened up the offense with his shot creation and spacing, helping a young roster rediscover rhythm even without a traditional point guard.

Defensively, they’ve slipped outside the top 15. But the Rockets’ size and athleticism should eventually win out.

As Patterson put it, the pieces are there, it’s just a matter of timing and cohesion.