The Houston Rockets have a lot riding on the upcoming season.
They now have one of the biggest names in the game, Kevin Durant, so their sights are set on a championship.
But even without Durant, the team is home to several promising stars who are on the rise.
One of them is Amen Thompson, and Evan Sidery is predicting great things for him in 2025-26.
“With the arrival of Kevin Durant, plus Alperen Sengun starring in EuroBasket play, the Rockets are even more enthused about Amen Thompson’s two-way development. If Thompson takes a serious leap, Houston will be a formidable title contender immediately,” Sidery posted on X.
With the arrival of Kevin Durant, plus Alperen Sengun starring in EuroBasket play, the Rockets are even more enthused about Amen Thompson’s two-way development.
If Thompson takes a serious leap, Houston will be a formidable title contender immediately.pic.twitter.com/g5m3cSBjRy
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) September 18, 2025
Last season, Thompson produced 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 55.7 percent from the field.
It was his second season in the league, and a big improvement from his first.
In fact, he was in the running for Defensive Player of the Year and earned a spot on the All-Defense Team.
But even though he did so well in year two, Rockets fans want even more from him in his third campaign.
The good news for Houston is that they have multiple reasons to be excited in the new season.
Yes, Thompson could get better, and, yes, Alperen Sengun could also reach new heights.
And, of course, Durant is going to be a focal point of the season and everything the Rockets do.
The Rockets have numerous options and plenty of reasons why people are elated to see what they can do.
If Thompson steps it up even more, he will once again compete for Defensive Player of the Year.
His third season may be his best yet.
NEXT: Kendrick Perkins Turns Heads With Alperen Sengun Statement
