Amen Thompson and that Ben Simmons comparison

Amen Thompson is among the players under the microscope heading into the 2026-27 NBA season, after recently signing a $205 million contract extension with the Houston Rockets, effectively becoming one of the faces the franchise has chosen to build its future around.

The deal may have seemed like an obvious one, but the numbers give it a very different weight. Thompson has already shown that he is an exceptional talent and one of the most impressive athletes in the NBA, but there are still some major questions about his development, especially because of some fairly obvious limitations in his game.

Beyond a few youthful mistakes as a ball-handler, the main weakness remains the lack of a reliable shot outside the paint. Through his first three seasons in the league, Thompson has shot 21.6% from three and 34.2% from mid-range, percentages that are difficult to ignore for a player expected to take on more and more responsibility in the Rockets’ offense.

This year, however, something could change. According to Evan Sidery, there has been very positive feedback around the league about the progress Thompson has made with his shot, starting with a shooting motion that has reportedly improved significantly. It would be a crucial first step toward becoming more dangerous away from the rim as well, perhaps following a developmental path similar to the one seen with Lonzo Ball.

Behind this potential leap forward is also believed to be Chip Engelland, the Rockets’ new shooting coach and a longtime key member of the San Antonio Spurs’ staff. Thompson reportedly worked with him over the summer specifically to address one of the most important areas for his future.

If that progress translates to the court, it could change quite a lot for both Thompson and Houston. The Rockets would add a new dimension to their offense, while the 2003-born guard would gain another crucial weapon as he looks to make the definitive leap into the NBA’s star tier.

Thompson’s career is still long, and it would be wrong to expect an immediate transformation. Even this season, though, it will be interesting to see whether the work he put in over the summer begins to produce tangible results.

That’s because shooting is inevitably in danger of becoming one of the central themes surrounding his future. The Ben Simmons comparison is already right around the corner: two different players, but both defined by exceptional athletic and physical gifts and questions surrounding their shot. Thompson will have the chance to prove that his development can take a completely different path.