Amen Thompson: Durant's 'Rogue' Moment & Worst NBA Take

The Houston Rockets' New Era Through Amen Thompson's Lens

The Houston Rockets' 10-3 start to the 2025-26 season has been fueled by more than just wins—it's been defined by evolving narratives surrounding their rising star, Amen Thompson. Two recent stories encapsulate the growing pains and potential of this new era: Kevin Durant's "rogue" play call and a baffling trade proposal that sent NBA circles into a frenzy. Let's break down both moments and what they reveal about Thompson's role in Houston's future.

Durant's "Rogue" Move: A Teaching Moment

In a 117-113 overtime victory against the Orlando Magic, Kevin Durant famously waved off Amen Thompson's screen isolation late in the game, opting for a one-on-one matchup against Tristan da Silva instead. The moment went viral, but Durant later clarified his intentions during an appearance on the Up & Adams Show.

"Once I go rouge like that... in that moment, it was like, alright I got it now. K is just going to take him off the dribble. So he gets now. And there'll be times he just be like, 'I got it.' and I'll be sitting over there like okay go get it. That's just normal man, that's what we do."

This "rogue" decision wasn't defiance—it's a deliberate teaching strategy from the 15x All-Star. As a new team still in the bonding phase, Durant is using real-game scenarios to build chemistry and establish trust. Thompson, despite a 4-for-13 shooting night, contributed 12 points, 10 rebounds, and strong defense in 39 minutes. The sequence highlights the Rockets' organic development: Durant's elite shot creation blending with Thompson's versatile playmaking.

The Worst Take: Trading Thompson for Kyrie?

While Durant's approach is methodical, former NBA player Theo Pinson offered a baffling counterpoint recently. On a broadcast, Pinson suggested the Rockets should trade Amen Thompson for Kyrie Irving—and even hinted at including Alperen Sengun in the deal. "Bye Bye Amen," he declared.

This proposal drew immediate criticism across the league. Consider the context:

• Thompson posted a 4.1 Box Plus/Minus as a sophomore, an elite metric for a 21-year-old.
> Irving is coming off an ACL injury and carries significant baggage as a depreciating asset. > Houston is currently 10-3, with Thompson's defensive versatility anchoring the league's third-ranked defense.

As one analyst bluntly stated: "You don't trade a third-year player who had a 4.1 BPM as a sophomore for Kyrie Irving in 2025." Pinson's take ignores both Thompson's ceiling and the Rockets' strategic positioning around young, athletic talent. It's the kind of hot-take that risks undermining years of developmental planning.

What's Next for the Rockets' Cornerstone?

These contrasting stories reveal the duality of Thompson's journey: one of mentorship and one of media scrutiny. As Houston prepares for a challenging four-game road trip—including Durant's first return to Phoenix—the team's chemistry will be tested. Thompson's role will continue to evolve, but the foundation is clear: he's not a trade chip but a foundational piece of Ime Udoka's vision.

The Rockets' success this season hinges on balancing Durant's veteran "rogue" moments with Thompson's natural growth. Pinson's take may be forgettable, but Durant's faith in his young teammate? That's just basketball in its purest form.