Amen Thompson's All-Defensive Snub Sparks Controversy Amid Stellar Season
May 1, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) talks with Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the third quarter of game six of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-Imagn Images

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Amen Thompson, a guard for the Houston Rockets, was notably left off the NBA All-Defensive teams despite a strong performance this season. His twin brother, Ausar Thompson, made the First Team, leading to discussions about Thompson's potential snub due to increased offensive responsibilities.
- 01Amen Thompson was named to the All-Defensive First Team in the 2024-25 season but was omitted this year.
- 02He led the NBA in minutes played this season, taking on a larger offensive role due to Fred VanVleet's injury.
- 03Thompson averaged 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, with defensive stats including 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks.
- 04Despite his performance, he received only five votes for the All-Defensive First Team and 36 for the second team.
- 05Thompson is eligible for a new contract this summer, potentially worth up to $251 million.
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Amen Thompson, a guard for the Houston Rockets, has emerged as one of the NBA's premier defensive players over his three seasons. He was named to the All-Defensive First Team in the 2024-25 season, but this year, he was notably absent from the list, with his twin brother, Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons, receiving the accolade instead. This season, Thompson's defensive impact was somewhat diminished as he took on a greater offensive role, replacing the injured Fred VanVleet at point guard. This shift led him to lead the league in minutes played, which may have affected his defensive performance. He averaged 2.5 deflections, 1.5 steals, and 0.6 blocks, alongside 18.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game. The omission has sparked discussions about potential snubs, as other players like Jaden McDaniels and Evan Mobley were also left off the All-Defensive teams. Looking ahead, Thompson's snub could serve as motivation for his upcoming season, especially as he becomes eligible for a substantial contract this summer.
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Thompson's performance and contract negotiations could influence the Rockets' future roster decisions and salary cap management.
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