Rockets Draft: Amen Thompson Entering League With Winning Mentality
OverTime Elite prospect Amen Thompson said contributing to winning is the most significant objective he's looking forward to on an NBA level. And Thompson's winning mentality could be the reason why he is the frontrunner to land with the Houston Rockets during Thursday night's draft.
"I am excited," Thompson said at the NBA's pre-draft media availability Wednesday morning. "I don't know what to expect. But wherever I get drafted, I will be ready to work."
Whether playing against his twin brother Ausar or participating in an organized team competition, winning has always been Thompson's top priority. And during his two-year stint playing for Overtime Elite, each of Thompson's teams qualified for the playoffs.
Thompson is entering the league as a champion. He played a prominent role in leading the City Reapers to a championship title in a 3-0 game sweep over the YNG Dreamerz.
"I'm just trying to contribute to winning," Thompson said. "When I look back at my career at Overtime Elite, I do not regret anything. OTE got me prepared for the next level. It taught me how to be a pro early on, and I am thankful for the help they have given me."
Thompson is a 6-7 guard who can play on and off the ball. And on the defensive end, his size allows him to defend players one through five. He would be an excellent plug-and-play prospect for the Rockets. He could take the helm as the starting forward who doesn't take away from Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
And given his ball-handling and on-court vision, the Rockets could have a lineup that features three reliable playmakers. At the NBA Scouting Combine in Chicago, Thompson said he believes his talents pair well next to Green.
After three consecutive seasons of finishing at the bottom of the league, building a winning team has become an emphasis for the Rockets as they enter phase II of their rebuilding project.
Re-building the Rockets' roster with players who have experienced winning on the collegiate or pro level is critical for Houston, making Thompson the most promising fit for the franchise.
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