Three-point shooting percentage under 22%! Amen has a new shooting coach: aiming to develop a consistent jumper

On September 13, Beijing time, the Rockets' official social media recently updated Amen Thompson's training status. In addition to his regular strength work, his shooting drills are attracting more interest. A new figure is by his side—Chip Engelland, the shooting coach the Rockets brought in this summer.

Amen is training with Engelland, and photos show Engelland instructing Amen on his shooting mechanics. All summer, the focus of outside discussion has been on Amen: if this three-year veteran forward can improve his shooting, he could achieve an even greater breakout this fall. He has already signed a five-year, $208 million extension with the Rockets.

Last season, Amen averaged a career-high 18.3 points per game and ranked second in the league in total dunks. However, his 21.6% three-point percentage is a glaring weakness. Engelland, who has helped numerous former Spurs players—such as Parker, Leonard, and Dejounte Murray—refine their jump shots, might be exactly the mentor Amen needs.

To reiterate: If Amen can develop a reliable jump shot next season, he will easily become one of the most intimidating players in the Western Conference. Even if his shooting doesn't make a breakthrough, he remains one of the league's most athletic and versatile defenders—a highly coveted skill set in today's NBA.

"Amen possesses all the qualities our team seeks," Rockets general manager Rafael Stone previously said. "He has elite two-way ability, plays tough, works harder than his peers, and gives full effort in every situation. Every season, his skills improve, and we firmly believe his ceiling has not yet been reached."