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USA Today
a day ago
- Sport
- USA Today
HoopsHype rankings: Rockets star Amen Thompson at No. 7 among NBA shooting guards
HoopsHype's Frank Urbina on Rockets star Amen Thompson: 'The 22-year-old is one of the most fluidly explosive backcourt athletes we have seen in quite some time, and a player with a massive ceiling.' NBA Ranking: The Top 26 shooting guards for 2025-26https:// The Rockets traded Jalen Green to the Phoenix Suns as part of the blockbuster deal bringing All-Star forward Kevin Durant to Houston. Yet, despite not bringing back a shooting guard in the deal, there's a strong case to be made that Houston actually got better at that position for next season. That's because rising star Amen Thompson now shifts into the backcourt for the Rockets, with Jabari Smith Jr. taking back his previous spot (alongside Durant) as a starting forward. Indeed, heading into the 2025-26 season, HoopsHype's ranking of the NBA's top shooting guards lists Green at No. 14 and Thompson at No. 7. Via Frank Urbina, the analysis: Speaking of unique 2-guards, Amen Thompson fits the bill, as the 22-year-old is one of the most fluidly explosive backcourt athletes we have seen in quite some time, and a player with a massive ceiling. Thompson is a slippery guard with great size, strength and athleticism, capable of getting to the rim and finishing with aplomb. If he just had a more reliable jumper, we'd be projecting a first-time All-Star bid in Thompson's near future. Unfortunately for him, his jumper, especially off the dribble, remains a work in progress, as Thompson hit just 27.5% of his 3-pointers last season. His work as a pull-up shooter out of the midrange remains equally lacking. Regardless, as a guard standing at 6-foot-7 with a freakish 7-foot wingspan and solid ball-handling, Thompson's potential is through the roof. What's more, he's already so unique in that he rebounds like a big man and finishes near the basket as efficiently as one, as evidenced by his near-56% shooting accuracy in 2024-25. If he just figures out how to shoot the ball more accurately from the outside, we're talking All-NBA-level potential with Thompson. As is, he is already one of the top defenders in the game, one coming off the initial All-Defensive First Team of his career. We expect many more accolades in Thompson's future. Thompson is ranked just behind Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat (No. 6) and Devin Booker of the Suns (No. 5) on HoopsHype's latest positional list. Thompson's backcourt mate in Houston, Fred VanVleet, checked in at No. 17 on HoopsHype's list of top point guards. The rankings for small forwards, power forwards, and centers are still to come. More: NBA Ranking: The Top 26 shooting guards for 2025-26
USA Today
05-08-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where HoopsHype ranked Luka Doncic among the NBA's best point guards
Many people have considered Luka Doncic one of the three to five best players in the NBA over the last few years. It's no wonder why, as he has career averages of 28.6 points, 8.6 rebounds and 8.2 assists a game and possesses the third-highest regular-season scoring average and second-best playoff scoring average in league history. Now that he has transformed his body this summer, his best basketball could be ahead of him, and that is a scary proposition for every NBA team not named the Los Angeles Lakers. But in HoopsHype's latest ranking of the league's top point guards, Doncic came in second behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. "Following the disrespect of shockingly being traded by Dallas, the franchise that Doncic expected to spend his entire career with, it seems the Slovenian superstar has taken that to heart and used it to motivate him this offseason," wrote Frank Urbina. "Considering that Doncic historically hasn't always been the best about taking his summers seriously as far as his fitness level, that could be a great sign for the Los Angeles Lakers - and a scary one for the team's opponents in 2025-26. "An elite scorer, playmaker and rebounder for his position, Doncic is just lacking on the defensive side of the ball, but perhaps with his improved fitness level heading into the campaign, that might change, too. Regardless, Doncic remains on the path of first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, and we expect him to get right back to 1st Team All-NBA-level play in 2025-26, which should put the Lakers in championship contender status." In a way, it does make sense that Gilgeous-Alexander earned the top spot in HoopsHype's ranking. He just finished a campaign in which he led the NBA in scoring and earned the regular-season and finals MVP awards, not to mention his first championship. But he isn't the passer or rebounder that Doncic is, and he may not be quite as deadly as Doncic is in crunch time. Urbina did mention that HoopsHype could regret ranking the Lakers superstar at No. 2 by next summer, especially given that he is much leaner and fitter now.
USA Today
11-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
How the Boston Celtics can benefit from Jaylen Brown's early surgery
How the Boston Celtics can benefit from Jaylen Brown's early surgery On Wednesday, June 11, the Boston Celtics reported that Jaylen Brown had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his right knee via a press release. The Boston Celtics All-Star was reportedly dealing with a partially torn meniscus. Fortunately, the release noted that Brown should be fully recovered in time for the team's preseason training camp later this year. Brown's availability is undoubtedly a critical issue for the Celtics. With Jayson Tatum ruled out of the rotation due to an Achilles tendon tear, Brown will likely assume a leading role for the franchise. As such, his decision to undergo surgery so early in the summer is encouraging, as it could allow him to be at his best throughout the 2025-26 campaign. During a recent episode of the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast, hosts Adam Taylor and Billy Calabrese discussed Brown's potential role next season and why surgery could propel him to an All-NBA-level season. The duo also explored the changes he could see in his role and why his point-of-attack defense will be a key factor in the team's chances of success. You can watch the full episode by clicking on the embedded video above. Watch the "Taylor Talks Celtics" podcast on: YouTube: Website:
