Stephen A. Smith sees Amen Thompson as future NBA Defensive Player of the Year

Second-year guard/forward Amen Thompson is turning heads around the NBA during his second season with the Houston Rockets.

As a starter in 2024-25, Thompson is averaging 16.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 1.6 blocks per game. He's doing all that for a winning team, as well, with the Rockets (44-25) currently at No. 2 in the Western Conference standings.

Standing 6-foot-7 with elite athleticism and versatility, Thompson has spent time guarding players at literally every position over his two professional seasons. Offensively, he's proven capable of operating as both an off-ball frontcourt player and as a point guard.

And at just 22 years old, there's still considerable time for Thompson to get even better.

How much better? In comments on ESPN's First Take, veteran NBA media personality Stephen A. Smith said this week that he believes a Defensive Player of the Year Award is in Thompson's future.

Among Smith's comments:

Amen Thompson, he is going to be a future star in this league. Watch this brother play, you will love him. This is a rough rider. He goes at you, he goes at it. At some point, he is going to win Defensive Player of the Year, I'm telling you that right now. He is loaded with heart and God-given athleticism.
He goes after it and accepts any tough assignment.

Smith's complete commentary on the Rockets can be viewed below.

Thompson hasn't played since March 8 due to a left ankle sprain, but there's optimism that he could return as soon as this Friday's game in Miami.

🚨THE ROCKETS FINALLY GOT ESPN PRAISE🚨

“(Alperen) Şengün can ball. Jalen Green can ball. Amen Thompson is going to be a future star in this league.”

“Houston will win a championship with (Ime Udoka) as coach. He is THAT elite.” pic.twitter.com/A4c3AjmvOb
— ᵂᴵᴸᴸ (@BiasedHouston) March 18, 2025

Amen Thompson sighting at shootaround in Orlando. He’s not playing tonight, but could be back on Friday in Miami. https://t.co/DLN9gLAs9G pic.twitter.com/YBVB2rVPEZ
— Danielle Lerner (@danielle_lerner) March 19, 2025

This article originally appeared on Rockets Wire: Stephen A. Smith: Amen Thompson is future Defensive Player of the Year

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Stephen A. Smith sees Amen Thompson as future NBA Defensive Player of the Year

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