Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets is making his mark in the NBA, showcasing his growing playmaking abilities during Fred VanVleet's absence due to injury. Thompson's ball-handling responsibilities have increased significantly, allowing him to excel as the de facto distributor for the Rockets. He posted an impressive third career triple-double recently, reflecting his improved playmaking skills. While VanVleet is set to return soon, the question remains whether Thompson will retain his role as a starter, given his stellar performance in recent games.

Thompson's assist percentage has soared to 25.2% without VanVleet, significantly higher than his previous 12.8% when both were healthy. This increase indicates his adaptability and potential as a secondary creator in the Rockets’ offense. Coach Ime Udoka acknowledges Thompson's growth, suggesting that his experience will only enhance the team's dynamics upon VanVleet's return. As the Rockets aim to solidify their lineup with returning players, Thompson's recent contributions could secure him a permanent role in the starting five.