Rookie Watch: Checking in on the Thompson Twins
Following an impressive stint in the Overtime Elite program, Amen and Ausar Thompson were put in a position to make an immediate impact at the NBA level. Making history after being selected No. 4 and No. 5 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, the Thompson twins have experienced very different rookie campaigns to this point, but both have been extremely impressive.
Let's take a look at the first half of each twin's rookie campaign.
Amen Thompson (Houston Rockets)
© Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Stats: 26 GP | 16.5 MPG | 6.5 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 2.2 APG | 1.0 SPG | 47.4% FG
Of the twins, Amen Thompson came into the NBA as more of the true point guard prospect. He battled injuries early in the season, but has continued to carve out a role since staying healthy on a consistent basis. Especially of late in Houston, he's proven to be one of the five or six best players in the rotation.
Especially on the defensive end, Thompson has made a clear impact on winning. He's also leveraged his athleticism to get to the rim and score offensively. The question surrounding both him and his brother entering the league was the perimeter shooting, which still needs to improve. The Rockets rookie has shot just 18.2% from beyond the arc on 33 attempts this season, which has resulted in opposing defenses sagging off to contain the drive, which clogs the paint.
If Thompson is able to improve his jumper, everything will open up for him and his teammates. In the meantime, he's carving out a real role in the rotation as a facilitator and defensive stopper and has been effective in doing so. He's been well worth the fourth overall pick to this point, despite the injuries.
Ausar Thompson (Detroit Pistons)
© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Rookie Stats: 45 GP | 23.7 MPG | 8.3 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 1.9 APG | 0.9 BPG | 47.1% FG
While it's easy to assume his game is identical to his twin brother's, Ausar Thompson is really more of a wing or forward. He has split time as a starter and reserve this season in Detroit, but should absolutely be starting on this team full-time given he's a clear cornerstone piece.
Similar to his brother in Houston, Thompson has been an incredibly disruptive defender this season and has averaged nearly a steal and block per contest. He has also been one of the best rebounders on the entire team, especially on the offensive glass, pulling down more than two per game. For a forward, his passing upside can't go unnoticed as he's notched better than an 11% assist rate.
While Ausar showed much more improvement last season at OTE on his perimeter jumper than Amen, it hasn't translated to this point. The Pistons rookie has shot 14.9% on 74 attempts from beyond the arc thus far in his first NBA season. Regardless, Thompson is one of Detroit's highest-upside players and has proven to be a great selection at No. 5 overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
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