Prediction #3: Amen Thompson Wins Defensive Player Of The Year
Though a hothead, Thompson is a phenomenal defender. Rockets fans aren’t actually expecting him to win Defensive Player of the Year. Barring injury, San Antonio Spurs big man Victor Wembanyama has this award locked up. Nevertheless, Thompson has proven himself to be a DPOY type of talent.
With Brooks gone, Thompson will inherit even more tough perimeter matchups. Houston should still sport one of the stingiest defenses in the league. However, for Thompson to actually win the award in 2025-26, Wembanyama would essentially have to fail to reach the 65-game minimum like last season. Thompson will get his chance somewhere down the line though. After five or six DPOYs, voter fatigue might even set in for the extraterrestrial Frenchman.
