Kawhi Leonard stands among the NBA’s most athletic players, using his physical gifts on both ends of the court.
His resume includes two Finals MVP awards, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and eight All-NBA selections.
Finding two-way athletic players like Kawhi Leonard proves difficult, especially among non-centers who can impact winning at elite levels.
However, former player Jeff Teague believes one current player surpasses Kawhi athletically, especially for the defensive aspect.
Teague thinks Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson possesses superior athleticism and could develop into a top-10 player with proper shooting development.
The former point guard expressed strong confidence in Thompson’s trajectory following his sophomore season. Teague believes the young guard will make significant improvements in his third NBA campaign.
“I have got a lot of stock in that Thompson twin. I just think he’s going to take a leap. He was good last year but I think he’s going to be great next year,” Teague explained.
Thompson’s ceiling depends entirely on developing consistent perimeter shooting. Teague argues that adding reliable three-point shooting would make Thompson virtually unguardable.
“If he ever figures out how to shoot the ball, he’ll be a top 10 player in the NBA. If he figures out how to shoot the ball, you can’t guard him,” he continued.
“He’s way more athletic than Kawhi Leonard and he’s got handles. The only thing he can’t do is shoot,” Teague added.
Teague’s comments carry weight given Thompson’s defensive achievements after just his sophomore season. The young guard earned All-Defense Team selection, showcasing elite two-way potential.
Thompson averaged 1.4 steals and 1.3 blocks per game last season while successfully defending several NBA stars, including Stephen Curry. His defensive versatility allows him to guard multiple positions effectively.
His defensive impact already matches elite levels typically associated with established veterans. Thompson’s ability to disrupt opposing offenses while contributing across statistical categories makes him valuable.
However, offensive limitations remain obvious despite his defensive excellence. Thompson’s 14.1 points, 3.8 assists, and 8.2 rebounds don’t qualify as elite NBA production yet.
His shooting percentages create the biggest concern, particularly his sub-30% three-point accuracy that limits offensive spacing and effectiveness.
If Thompson develops his offensive contributions through mentorship from players like Kevin Durant, he could follow the trajectory toward becoming an elite two-way player similar to Leonard.
Thompson’s development timeline also aligns with Houston’s competitive window, making his improvement crucial for the franchise’s championship aspirations moving forward.
