How the Rockets can help unlock Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson is one of the best athletes in the NBA. It’s clear when he’s on the break or getting downhill.

In his third season, however, his role has been a little different. Well, drastically different.

Fred VanVleet’s absence prompted the Houston Rockets to move him to point guard, which was interestingly enough his initial position prior to joining the NBA.

Different stakes, however, in the big leagues. Thompson’s counting stats aren’t bad at all.

Not in the slightest.

17.1 points, 7 rebounds, 5.2 assists, and 77.6 percent from the foul line.

The position change hasn’t quite been seamless though. He doesn’t have a jumpshot, no, and he probably never will.

However, he’s regressed there. He’s shooting 47.2 percent from the field, 52.1 percent on twos, 48.8 percent effective field goal percentage, 53.4 percent true shooting.

Let’s dive into his shooting splits. 15 percent on corner threes (after shooting 37.7 percent from there last season). 35.7 percent on twos between 3-10 feet (after shooting 47.1 percent from there last season and even 46.4 percent as a rookie).

27.8 percent on twos between 10 and 16 feet, after shooting 49.3 percent from there last season.

It gets ugly when you pop the hood. A jumpshot would open his game, no question. But again, that likely won’t be a luxury of his.

Part of the issue is Thompson’s shot diet, which seems to consist of low-percentage mid-range shots.

The Rockets can do a few things to help open his game up. He’s been a lead guard on the ball quite extensively.

But it doesn’t have to be like that.

Thompson is an elite cutter to the basket. More slashing and cutting would benefit both he and the Rockets’ offense.

More off-ball reps.

Use him more like a wing offensively. Don’t force the point guard thing on him.

He doesn’t have to start every possession with the ball in his hands.

In fact, the Rockets should allow Reed Sheppard to bring the ball up, which would allow more pick-and-roll action between Sheppard and Alperen Sengun.

It would also allow Thompson more room to cut. Also, Thompson can set screens for Sengun.

Inverted pick-and-roll action.

In conclusion, Thompson can impact basketball without shooting.

And he doesn’t have to be an on-ball point guard. Or point guard at all.