Houston Rockets Midseason REVIEW: Amen Thompson's Point Guard GROWTH & Jabari Smith Jr.'s STRUGGLES

Houston Rockets’ playoff hopes hinge on Amen Thompson’s emergence—can his dynamic on-ball growth carry the team down the stretch? Jabari Smith Jr.’s struggles also take center stage, as his defense now raises bigger red flags than his shooting inconsistency. Host Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) is joined by weekly cohosts Madison Moore (@MadManLeaks), Brandon Scott (@brandonkscott) and Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) for part three of a Rockets midseason review series debating Thompson’s evolving offensive role, defensive regression, and what it means for Ime Udoka’s rotations. The hosts spotlight Jabari Smith Jr.’s decline on both ends, ask whether he can become the emotional defensive anchor, and question his ceiling on a roster loaded with young talent. Key talking points include recent high-assist games, the impact of floor spacing, and Houston’s need for a dependable closer. Can the Rockets’ young core deliver the consistency needed for postseason success?