Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson is having a breakout season. His game has drastically improved since last season, and his rise has coincided with the team's

The Houston Rockets’ rise in the Western Conference standings hasn’t been by accident, and second-year standout Amen Thompson is a major reason why. After a dominant stretch in January, the league officially took notice—Thompson was named Kia Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month,

Amen Thompson #1 of the Houston Rockets celebrates after scoring the game winning basket against the Boston Celtics during the second half at T

Amen Thompson is taking a massive leap in his second season and his Rockets teammates don't think he's going to stop there.

There's a legitimate argument for Thompson to remain as the starter when Smith returns. The Rockets have found the same success with Thompson in the starting lineup, and he's been producing at a higher level. Based on his seamless fit in the first five, head coach Ime Udoka will have a tough decision to make soon.

NBA.com caught up with former NBA player and current Rockets lead analyst Ryan Hollins to get his thoughts on Amen Thompson.