The NBA’s annual GM Survey just positioned Amen Thompson as the player most likely to break out in 2025–26 while also naming him the league’s most athletic player and most versatile defender. That’s a rare triple crown of confidence from decision-makers who scout and game-plan for a living.

General managers voted Thompson first in the breakout category with 30 percent of the ballots. He also topped the “most athletic” list by a landslide at 58 percent, well ahead of last year’s winner Anthony Edwards at 23 percent. On defense, executives ranked Thompson the most versatile defender at 18 percent, and he finished third as the best perimeter defender with 22 percent, trailing only Dyson Daniels and Alex Caruso. Those results paint a clear picture of how front offices see his two-way ceiling heading into year two.

GM Respect for Rockets Wing Drives Breakout Buzz in Houston

This wave of respect didn’t appear overnight. Thompson earned All-Defensive First Team honors last season, joining an elite group of players to reach that level so early in a career. The league also named him Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month in January, a midseason nod that previewed his rise.

Context from the broader survey reinforces Houston’s momentum. GMs named Kevin Durant the offseason addition most likely to make the biggest impact at 73 percent, and they voted the Rockets second for best overall offseason moves.

Ime Udoka finished second among head coaches for defensive schemes, while Royal Ivey ranked third among top assistant coaches. Even in “most promising young core,” Houston tied for third, signaling that executives see sustainability and star potential within this roster.

Why GMs Are Betting on Thompson

The reasons why many GMs respect Thompson come down to both skill and system. At 6’7” with elite burst, he can guard across positions and shift seamlessly in transition. His versatility earned him first place in the “most versatile defender” category, highlighting his ability to disrupt plays, contest shots, and force turnovers without fouling.

Winning “most athletic” by such a large margin underscores what coaches already know: Thompson’s recovery speed and leaping ability can erase defensive mistakes in real time. He also received votes for fastest with the ball, even in a league defined by guards like De’Aaron Fox and Ja Morant.

Add opportunity to the equation. With Fred VanVleet sidelined for the season, Thompson’s role will expand as a playmaker and defender. GMs believe his production will follow, especially in closing lineups and fast-break situations that suit his natural explosiveness.

From Potential to Proof

If Thompson delivers even part of what GMs expect, Houston’s ceiling rises immediately. Breakout labels don’t always convert, but this one feels grounded in evidence, not hype. The Rockets’ defensive system amplifies his strengths, and his maturity fits the model of players who sustain success early.

For a 22-year-old entering just his second season, this level of recognition signals more than excitement; it signals respect earned through performance. The conversation around respecting Thompson may have started with numbers, but it’s now built on trust.

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