Expectations aren’t exactly high for the Houston Rockets heading into the new NBA season, but fans will be praying one player may be enough to change all that.

That man is the aptly named Amen Thompson.

Thompson and the Rockets are flying under-the-radar as they look to compete in a loaded Western Conference (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)

The fourth overall pick in last year’s draft is coming off an All-NBA Rookie Second Team selection, where he averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 steals in 62 games.

Nothing spectacular, but certainly a good start in his first year.

Now, heading into his second season, the buzz around Thompson seems to be getting louder and louder.

Especially after Thompson’s showing against Team USA over the summer.

While a lot of the chatter was around Duke freshman and presumed number one pick in next year’s draft, Cooper Flagg, the second-year man out of Houston made sure people were talking about him too.

In an exclusive with talkSPORT, Jonathan Feigen, longtime Rockets and NBA beat writer for the Houston Chronicle, shared what he heard coming out of those scrimmages.

“I hear raves about Amen Thompson,” Feigen said.

“Including from the United States select team coaches. The team that worked out against the Olympic team. 

“You know, him playing against Devin Booker, LeBron James, Steph Curry and Anthony Edwards, those are the four guys he matched up against.” 

If Thompson is able to hold his own against those four, then the Rockets may not be as far behind in the West as everyone may think.

Thompson held his own against four of the best players in the Association (Miller/Getty Images)

Houston’s time might be coming sooner rather than later.

There is talent on the roster, it is just extremely young and unproven.

Thompson, Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr. and this year’s third overall pick, Reed Sheppard, form a young nucleus that is oozing with potential.

Sprinkle in veterans such as Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams, the cupboard is far from bare for this Houston squad.

They are hoping to be this year’s Oklahoma City Thunder.

A young squad that put it all together, jumping all the way to the top last season and the overwhelming favorite to win the West this season.

Feigen is skeptical if Houston can be that this year and if one of their young talents, notably Thompson, can make a Shai Gilgeous-Alexander like leap.

“The Rockets hope one of their guys will be that,” Feigen said.

“I don’t know if they go all the way to the top of the Western Conference, the way Oklahoma City did, but can you be a playoff team or a play-in team?

“That’s what it comes down to.  Will some, one or two guys from that group emerge as All-NBA or All-Star caliber players.”

If Thompson is able to make that jump, which by all accounts is certainly possible, the Rockets might just be a problem in the West.

Amen to that.