The Houston Rockets have a special squad, and they know it.
They are lucky to have acquired Kevin Durant in the summer, but their skills go beyond just him.
In fact, Kendrick Perkins believes that one particular Rockets star will soon challenge Victor Wembanyama as one of the best defensive players in the league.
Perkins praised Amen Thompson and predicted a bright future for him.
“Amen, who I believe is gonna challenge Wemby in the next few years as the best 2-way player in the game,” Perkins said.
“Amen, who I believe is gonna challenge Wemby in the next few years as the best 2-way player in the game.”
– Kendrick Perkins on Amen Thompson
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— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 9, 2025
Thompson has been in the league for two seasons and has made quite a name for himself in that short amount of time.
Last year, he averaged 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds for the Rockets, while shooting 55.7 percent from the field.
Thompson’s offense is impressive, but it’s his defense that brings everything together and gets the most attention.
Perkins knows that Wembanyama is the most engaging and exciting defensive player coming up in the league right now, but he thinks Thompson can give him a run for his money.
It might not be this year, but Thompson could challenge Wembanyama in the near future.
Thompson is one of the many heroes in Houston who is hoping to have a great season.
Over the last few years, the front office has been putting together a robust and deep squad.
They have been showing outstanding promise, especially last season, but everyone believes their ceiling is even higher.
With Durant leading the way and others like Thompson only getting better, Houston could prove they’re the real deal.
Perkins is right to praise Thompson, and the Rockets are right to be elated about his future.
NEXT: Amen Thompson Reveals Honest Thoughts About Kevin Durant