VanVleet’s season-ending injury impact: Amen emerges as the top favorite for Most Improved Player, Rockets’ championship odds fall to fifth

As of September 24th Beijing time, VanVleet’s injury ruling him out for the season has caused ripple effects. Amen Thompson is now the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player award, and the Rockets’ odds to win the title have slipped from third to fifth place.

With VanVleet out, Amen Thompson will probably have to handle a large share of the playmaking duties. Although the Rockets’ offense mainly revolves around Sengun and Durant, without VanVleet and Dillon, Amen must balance his defensive role with organizing the offense. He has excellent passing instincts, excels at attacking the rim and drawing fouls, and the Rockets’ system can accommodate his weaker outside shooting—especially when he has the ball more often. While lacking VanVleet’s veteran steadiness, Amen can rely on Durant to take over when defenses clamp down. He possesses the necessary skills, and although this responsibility comes earlier than expected, becoming the primary playmaker is a crucial step toward his superstar trajectory.

Unlike the yet-to-be-proven Shepherd, Amen already broke out last season and is poised to elevate his game further this year. If the Rockets become a Western powerhouse, they could have multiple All-Stars, with Durant and Sengun as clear candidates. Since January last year, Amen has averaged about 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists per game; if taking on VanVleet’s role boosts him to roughly 20 points and 6-7 assists while maintaining elite perimeter defense, he will be a strong contender for Most Improved Player.

The shift in odds for this award also reflects growing confidence in Amen. Before VanVleet’s injury, players like Nembhard and Avdija were ranked ahead of Amen in the betting odds, but now Amen (+700) has surged to the top spot as the favorite, followed by Nembhard, Avdija, Buzelis, and Osar Thompson in second through fifth places.

The Rockets’ championship odds have also been affected by VanVleet’s season-ending injury. Previously, buoyed by additions like Durant, Finney-Smith, and Capela, the Rockets’ odds had climbed to third, behind only the Thunder and Nuggets. However, the latest odds place the Rockets tied for fifth with the Lakers, behind the Thunder, Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Knicks. With VanVleet out, how far do you think the Rockets can go this season? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.