NBA champion and former Cleveland Cavaliers guard Iman Shumpert made an eye-catching comparison on a recent episode of NBA Today. While discussing rising talent Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets, Shumpert drew a parallel that might surprise many fans, but with a twist that completely reshapes the narrative.
As the Rockets look to build around their young core and a newly acquired veteran star, Kevin Durant, one player’s mindset and energy could be what separates good from potentially elite.
What Makes Amen Thompson Different from Andrew Wiggins?
Shumpert, a 2016 NBA champion with the Cavaliers, sees a special kind of potential brewing in Houston. Comparing Thompson to Miami Heat forward Andrew Wiggins, Shumpert highlighted his talent and pointed to the energy and edge in his game.
“I think that he reminds me so much of the gifts that I saw Andrew Wiggins had, where it’s like you don’t even know why you’re that good yet,” Shumpert said.
“The scary thing about Amen Thompson is he has that mean streak, and he has that grit… I didn’t see that in Wiggs. It’s no knock to Drew. It just, when you see it, it’s a different calibre of that dawg energy.”
Shump on Amen:
“I think that he reminds me so much of the gifts that I saw Andrew Wiggins had where it’s like you don’t even know why you’re that good yet. The scary thing is…he has that mean streak, and he has that grit… I didn’t see that in Wiggs and it’s no knock to Drew” pic.twitter.com/Cuabv6xzsZ
— Oh No He Didn’t (@ohnohedidnt24) July 18, 2025
Thompson, the 6’7″ guard entering his third NBA season, is coming off a breakout year in Houston. He was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team, a rare feat for a second-year player, joining an elite company of legends like Hakeem Olajuwon and Scottie Pippen.
While Thompson’s offensive numbers of 14.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.8 APG from the 2024-25 regular season are impressive, they tell only part of the story. He shot a blistering 55.7% from the field, showing efficiency at the rim and a growing understanding of space and timing. His 3-point shooting (27.5%)Â remains a work in progress, but the flashes are there.
Compare that to Wiggins, now 30 years old and playing for the Heat, who posted 18.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 2.6 APG on 44.8% shooting and a 37.4% clip from deep last season. Wiggins remains the more polished scorer, but Thompson’s upside, particularly on defense and in transition, is hard to ignore.
According to Shumpert, what truly separates Thompson from Wiggins is that elusive “dawg” energy — an aggression and confidence that often signals superstardom.
How Will Kevin Durant’s Arrival Shape Amen Thompson’s Role in Houston?
Thompson’s trajectory is now tied to one of the NBA’s greatest ever. With the Rockets acquiring Durant this offseason, the franchise is in win-now mode. They’ve parted ways with Jalen Green and Dillon Brooks, and Thompson is projected to start next to Fred VanVleet in the backcourt.
His explosive athleticism gives the Rockets defensive versatility around Durant. Offensively, his ability to finish in transition and attack closeouts makes him a natural complement to Durant’s shot creation. As his playmaking improves, Thompson may eventually take over full-time point guard duties.
At just 22 years old, Thompson is already showing rare two-way potential. Alongside his exceptional shooting, his 2024-25 season also included team-leading numbers in blocks (1.3 blocks per game) and one of the best defensive ratings of 108.1.
While comparisons to Wiggins make sense from a physical and skill standpoint – both are tall, long wings with bounce and slashing ability – Shumpert’s observation about Thompson’s superior energy holds weight.
Wiggins entered the league with sky-high expectations but often drew criticism for a lack of assertiveness. Thompson, on the other hand, has already earned praise from NBA stars like Steph Curry and LeBron James for his competitiveness.
If that edge translates to offensive growth and leadership, Thompson will certainly live up to the comparison and even surpass it.
