Amen Thompson must remain the starter

Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka will have a big question to answer when some of his injured players return to the lineup. Which of the starting five will be benched to allow Amen Thompson to remain with the starters?

It will be difficult to remove Thompson from the starters if Udoka decides to bring in Jabari Smith Jr. back to his place in the starting lineup. Smith’s long-range shot was off target, but Houston’s offense hasn’t missed a beat since his injury.

The main factor influencing the attack is the performance of some of the team’s best players and the pace at which they launch the attack. Thompson is one of the fastest players on the team and one of the best rebounders in the starting lineup. Once he has the board, he makes a quick, one-man escape by galloping around the court. When another player is deflected, he becomes available for push-ahead passes.

Thompson can pick up the pace with Jalen Green, another speedster in the lineup. This is a unique skill that Smith Jr. is unable to reproduce. While Thompson can’t replicate Smith’s outside shooting, the pace of play has opened up opportunities on offense as well.

However, Smith Jr. has become a valued part of the rotation. Putting it in favor of Thompson is not a clear answer to the initial situation. Assuming Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun’s positions are locked, Thompson could potentially take another player’s spot in the starting lineup.

Dillon Brooks is a difficult starter to sit. He is one of the most consistent players in the team, especially in defense. He is also the team’s leading long-range shooter this season and helps extend the lead by making three-point shots at key moments. Brooks and Thompson’s defense is comparable, but floor spacing is something only Brooks can provide. Thompson may have the advantage in creating play when he has the ball in his hands, but Brooks will have no shortage of shots in the starting lineup. Brooks’ seat is almost as safe as the cornerstone that connects it.

The only other option that could potentially be on the bench is Fred VanVleet, who has regressed somewhat in his effectiveness this season. His game has improved recently and he can score on his own when the team needs an attack. He is also a strong playmaker who handles pick-and-rolls with Sengun better than anyone else on the team. VanVleet takes care of the ball and helps the Rockets keep their turnovers low during games.

An unfortunate limitation to VanVleet’s game is that he is a smaller defender and has declining athleticism. When his shot doesn’t drop, his efficiency drops dramatically and there is little alternative route. He can make difficult finishes at the rim, but doesn’t pose the same threat on his drives as Green or Thompson. His offense works better when he can slow the game down and clean things up in the half court. It’s a nice layer for a team that doesn’t have an alternative on the roster for a point guard, but it doesn’t necessarily complement the skills of the athletic wings and guards Houston employs.

Thompson seems to be a player destined to play in the starting lineup. Whether he takes his place this season or waits until a move is made to put him in the spotlight. For now, Thompson is the next player to replace Jabari Smith Jr. following his injury, but the real decision will have to be made once Smith recovers.

Want to join the discussion? Like Rockets on AI on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date with the latest Rockets news. You can too meet the team behind the curtain.