Houston Rockets X-Factor For The 2025-26 Season - Amen Thompson

The Houston Rockets enter the 2025–26 season with championship aspirations after acquiring Kevin Durant in a massive seven-team trade during the offseason. However, the recent devastating news of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet’s torn ACL may have put a bit of a damper on that excitement. Though if second-year guard Amen Thompson proves he can elevate his game, a third championship parade may still be in the works come next June.

With VanVleet likely sidelined for the entire season, the Rockets desperately need someone to step up and take control of the playmaking responsibilities alongside their star-studded frontcourt duo of Durant and Alperen Şengün. Having played the small forward position during his first two seasons in Houston, Thompson will likely be moved to the backcourt this year. An athletic 6'7", versatile player who can handle the ball, facilitate the offense, and defend multiple positions, Thompson’s skills become significantly more valuable with VanVleet on the bench.

What makes Thompson an X-factor for the Rockets this year will not only be his ability to slide into the backcourt, but also how his skill set complements the addition of Durant. Whereas KD, a 17-year veteran, is an elite scorer anywhere on the floor, Thompson provides youthful energy, defensive intensity, and transition playmaking. Thompson’s ability to push the ball could create more scoring opportunities for Houston’s offense, especially with Durant spotting up on the perimeter or operating in the mid-range game.

While VanVleet’s injury isn’t ideal by any means, it plays into the “next man up” mindset, putting Thompson into an expanded role. How well and quickly the California native adapts to the role could go a long way in determining how well the Rockets will fare this season. If Thompson can minimize his turnovers (2.0 per game last season) and improve his playmaking (3.8 assists last year), the Rockets should remain legitimate contenders in the Western Conference. 

It is a lot to ask of a third-year player, who doesn’t turn 23 until midway through the season, but when opportunity presents itself, one has to rise to the occasion. Thompson has shown that he has all of the physical tools and the knowledge to succeed; now, with the expanded minutes, he just needs to put them together consistently. For a Rockets team with huge expectations, Thompson’s growth from a role player to an impact player could determine whether they are truly championship contenders.