Amen Thompson enters the 2026-27 season with a new five-year, $208 million extension and an even greater emphasis on becoming one of the NBA’s premier two-way players.
Speaking at Rockets media day Tuesday, Thompson reflected on his development and made it clear that defense remains central to his identity.
“I play both ends of the floor,” Thompson said. “So, it’s not really a balancing act for me. It’s just how I play and I play my best when I’m defending at a high level, getting out in transition and finding my spots on offense too.”
Thompson finished eighth in 2025-26 Defensive Player of the Year voting after averaging 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists while shooting 53.4% from the field. He also averaged 1.5 steals and helped Houston finish 52-30.
Despite his defensive impact, Thompson was not selected to either All-Defensive team. He said that result has provided additional motivation.
“I knew I didn’t deserve it last year, honestly, if I’m being real,” Thompson said. “But just, you know, I want to be a premier defender. I want to make those teams every year.”
The 23-year-old also emphasized that nothing is guaranteed.
“I don’t think it’s going to take much,” Thompson said when asked what it would take to return to that level. “Just knowing like nothing’s just promised to me. I got to actually go out there and do what I do.”
Thompson said his offseason work went beyond improving his shooting. He focused on his handle, play-calling, leadership, defense and becoming a more complete player.
“I really just focused on just being the best basketball player I could be,” Thompson said. “Just a little bit of everything for sure. Defense, my handle, play calling, being a better leader and shooting on top of that too.”
The mid-range game was another specific area of focus. Thompson said it is a shot he feels comfortable creating and taking.
“Just the little reps,” Thompson said. “The form shooting, consistently doing the same habits and then over time that becomes something you’re used to.”
Leadership was another priority for Thompson during the offseason. He also expects to learn from new teammate Marcus Smart, who brings a Defensive Player of the Year pedigree and extensive playoff experience.
“I really wanted to work on becoming more vocal, being a leader,” Thompson said. “So just learning, having another guy I can learn from like that and a Defensive Player of the Year at that is going to be really good for me because he got the tricks. He knows the defensive tricks. I got to learn some of those.”
Thompson also welcomed Fred VanVleet’s return, saying he has always enjoyed having another ball-handler alongside him.
“We both could play on ball and off ball, so it’s perfect,” Thompson said.
The extension has now removed a potential distraction, allowing Thompson to focus entirely on the upcoming season and his larger objective in Houston.
“I want to play my game. I want to give my all,” Thompson said. “I want to bring a championship to Houston. So, I mean, those are my goals.”
