Amen Thompson, a rising star for the Houston Rockets, continues to impress as he develops under the guidance of assistant coach Ben Sullivan. Sullivan likens Thompson's versatility to that of a queen on a chessboard, emphasizing his ability to play multiple positions effectively. This adaptability is crucial for the Rockets, who aim to capitalize on their flexible roster, which includes notable players like Kevin Durant and Clint Capela.

Thompson, who averaged 14.1 points and nearly 9 rebounds last season, is seen as a key contributor to a team that finished with a solid 52-30 record. His progress since being drafted is evident, as he became a full-time starter and was recognized on the 2024-25 All-Defensive First Team. Sullivan is optimistic about Thompson's future impact as he continues to deepen his understanding of the game.

The Houston Rockets are set to kick off their 2025 NBA Summer League campaign against the Los Angeles Clippers, with the pivotal matchup scheduled for 9:00 p.m. Central at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas. The game will be broadcast on NBA TV. Highlighting the Rockets' roster is Reed Sheppard, the promising point guard selected third overall in the 2024 draft. Sheppard is expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season, showcasing his skills during the summer league. Alongside him, the team features Nate Williams, two-way players Kevon Harris and N'Faly Dante, as well as veteran center Moses Brown. The Clippers are represented by notable players such as Kobe Brown, Patrick Baldwin Jr., and Cam Christie.

This summer league presents a crucial opportunity for young prospects on both teams. The Rockets plan to utilize Sheppard as a focal point, granting him essential minutes to secure his development. Fans can anticipate the Rockets playing at least five games this summer, with their next opponent being the Detroit Pistons on Sunday.

The Golden State Warriors face a challenging road in the 2025-26 NBA Cup, landing in the competitive West Group C alongside the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs. The Warriors will host the Rockets and Trail Blazers at the Chase Center, while making away trips to the Nuggets and Spurs. Although the NBA Cup is a secondary competition, the outcomes will impact the regular-season standings. The Warriors, featuring superstar Stephen Curry, are eyeing a deeper playoff run and will need to leverage this tournament as a gauge for their performance against formidable opponents in their pursuit of championship glory.

Last year's NBA Cup saw the Los Angeles Lakers crowned champions, following the Milwaukee Bucks' victory the season prior. With Steve Kerr at the helm, the Warriors are expected to treat this cup as a serious endeavor. The anticipated matchups against the Rockets and Nuggets promise exciting basketball, with each game acting as a litmus test for the Warriors' potential playoff strategy. Fans and analysts alike will be keenly observing how the team navigates this intense schedule and whether they can channel their experience into meaningful results.

The Los Angeles Lakers are set on enhancing their roster for the upcoming season, focusing on adding a two-way wing to bolster their championship aspirations. After losing Dorian Finney-Smith to free agency, the team is seeking a capable defender to neutralize opposing stars. Reports suggest the Lakers are actively pursuing a trade for a defensive wing, with Andrew Wiggins of the Miami Heat emerging as a potential target. Despite initial hurdles concerning the Heat's high trade demands, insiders indicate that discussions will resume soon, signaling the Lakers' commitment to strengthening their squad.

Jake LaRavia, the newly signed forward for the Los Angeles Lakers, aims to make an impact as a '3-and-D connector' player in the upcoming season. His strong outside shooting is highlighted by a notable 42.3% from beyond the arc last season, and he averaged 1.7 steals per 36 minutes, showcasing his defensive capabilities. This addition comes at a critical time for the Lakers, who recently lost Dorian Finney-Smith, a key defender. LaRavia's ability to guard perimeter players will be vital for the Lakers' championship aspirations.