Amen Thompson is the Rockets' REAL franchise player

Those first few possessions show exactly how defenders don't bother to defend him on the perimeter or hedge to the wing / post.
In the pick and roll both defenders went with Sengun.

 

Yeah, lost track of the fact we were specifically talking about shooting. Pretty much a fundamental part of the game...

Seems like he's gotta be able to develop a reliable middie or at least a floater, although we're still waiting on Jabari and Sengun, so maybe not.

 

He's honestly been our 2nd best player this season. Consistent effort and defense every game. Solid offensive production every game. His highs might not be as high as what Sengun or Reed can produce, but his lows are not nearly as low. He's not going to have a +8 turnover game or a 3/20 shooting game. Exactly what you need as the 3rd best player on a championship-level. We just need someone to step up as #2

 

He passes up too many close range shots. Need to score more and stop spamming Sengun and KD at the 3 point line.

 

He's trying so hard to be a "good point guard", when really he's an unstoppable force once he gets close to the basket. It's going to be about finding a balance for him. It's good that he's a willing passer with solid court vision, because there are times when it's absolutely necessary to kick it out. But he needs to be more aggressive in trying to get his shot, while still recognizing when it's really not there.

 

Yeah, I still have high hope for Amen on offense, not as a PG but as an attacking wing. He still needs to improve on his mid range (if not 3pt) shot though. That's unnegotiable for a wing player.

 

There are moments when he hits a jumper with just one foot in the paint and I dare to dream.

 

I wouldn't mind signing Amen to a Sengun type of contract, 3/4 year + 1 year player option at ~22% of the cap. I think it's a pretty solid and movable contract.

 

Still believe Amen is our best chance for a franchise player on the roster. But it’s more likely than not that he’s not. We have to assume we don’t have that guy on the roster. Which is why we should be focused on finding that guy instead of pretending that we are ready to compete with the best. We should hold onto Amen, but we need to be real about the importance of finding a true franchise player.

 

60% from 3 in his last 5 games

 

Amen Thompson truly needs to develop his baseline move. I mean, he is one of the most athletic guys in the WORLD. He's super timid, almost mouselike with the ball, cradling it as if he's been yelled at too much for dribbling.

If the person in front of him is 6'5 or less, and he's on the left wing. Amen should blow by them and get to the foul line.

Amen, let's stop kidding around. The playoffs are coming soon. Be selfish and call your own number. Size up your defender. We all know they can't stay in front of you. Go baseline, and if they lunge to try and stay in front, get the ball to your right hand and punish them.

Avoid the charge. Be smart and inject some life into this pitiful, stationary offense.

 

He’s been forcing the action more and more the last several games. He needs to be trying to get to the rim almost every possession down the floor. He or Reed should initiate the offense every time in the half court for the rest of the season.