The Houston Rockets had an impressive NBA season despite the first-round playoff exit. Coach Ime Udoka highlighted the major change in young star Amen Thompson.
It was a season of great improvement for the Houston Rockets. They finished as the 2nd seed in the Western Conference and took the Golden State Warriors to seven games in the playoffs.
Despite the heartbreak of the Game 7 loss, there are silver linings for the Rockets. Amen Thompson’s development is one of the biggest bright spots of the season.
Thompson has received a lot of praise, and Stephen Curry predicted that he will be a problem moving forward. He also received a nod from Draymond Green, who called him special.
Amen’s defense is what has drawn the most plaudits, although he showed signs of offensive growth as well. But there’s one big change in him that head coach Ime Udoka is pleased to see.
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty ImagesIme Udoka reveals Amen Thompson’s ‘no friends on the court’ mantra
While the 22-year-old has certainly won admirers during this series, it’s not that he didn’t get involved in his fair share of drama. A big foul on Jimmy Butler in Game 2 had people debating if he’s a dirty player.
It’s not the best to be a nasty player, but a level of toughness is required on the biggest stages. So it makes sense that Ime Udoka has enjoyed Thompson developing something of a mean streak.
“He’s becoming and realizing who he is,” Udoka said. “I think sometimes, you can respect your opponents too much, and that was him. You see a lot of rookies come in doing that.
“But once you look at them like who they are, just another guy out there. And look at yourself and hold yourself in higher esteem. Go about it different. Carry yourself different. Stop idolizing guys so much.
“For him, he attacked everybody the same. Took on the mantra of ‘no friends on the court.’ And I think, you can see the nasty streak come out in him at times… He grew in every area.”
“He took on the mantra of no friends on the court. And I think you could see the nasty streak come out in him at times.”
-Ime Udoka talks with @SportsVanessa about Amen Thompson’s improvement in year 2
The entire interview will air next Thursday at 6pm on SCHN @HoustonRockets pic.twitter.com/FTdZVeT6Rj
— Space City Home Network (@SpaceCityHN) May 8, 2025
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Amen Thompson took the next step during the 2024/25 season
The Rockets’ youngster improved every facet of his game from his rookie year to his sophomore year. He has proved that he is a valuable starter on any team in the NBA.
In 2024/25 during the regular season, Thompson averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds every game. Also impressive was that he managed to average 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game.
He scored slightly higher in the playoffs, too. Amen had 15.7 points on average across seven games. Any way you slice it, he has taken a meaningful step in his career.
The Houston Rockets have been linked with Kevin Durant and Giannis Antetokounmpo. But should any trade materialize, it certainly cannot include Thompson.