Rockets Select Amen Thompson & Cam Whitmore, Form League's Best Young Core?
The Houston Rockets selected Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft on Thursday. They then turned around and got arguably the steal of the draft at No. 20 by selecting Villanova guard Cam Whitmore, who was seen by many as a lock to go in the top 10 before his slide.
With the picks official, it begs the question: Do the Rockets now have the best young core in the NBA?
Western Conference rivals like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs certainly have a claim to that title. But despite the fact the Rockets missed out on the Victor Wembanyama sweepstakes, their disappointing lottery results could've been a blessing in disguise.
Thompson and Whitmore, both are whom are just 20 and 18 years old, respectively, are regarded as two of the most explosive athletes in the 2023 draft class. Look no further than Whitmore's performance at the NBA Combine, which saw him post the third-highest max vertical leap (40.5 inches) among all players.
Thompson has also been called a "gravity-defying guard" by Sports Illustrated's NBA Draft Digest. The site even previously compared him to none other than Rockets guard Jalen Green.
"On top of being an ultra-athlete, he’s got the same rangy elasticity that has made players like Jalen Green immediately successful," SI said.
But for both Whitmore and Thompson, it goes beyond the athleticism, which is something the Rockets already have.
Thompson brings elite play-making and defensive abilities, two qualities that the Rockets are in desperate need of. Despite Houston's talent, the team struggled with defensive consistency and offensive cohesion last season, making the selection all the more sensible.
"Thompson is undoubtedly one of the best playmakers in the entire draft," SI wrote." ... He often has been compared to Ja Morant, except Thompson is 6-foot-7."
As for Whitmore, the offense will likely come smoothly. But at 6-7, 232 pounds, Draft Digest thinks he could potentially be able to guard two through four once he gets comfortable, a trait that makes him extremely valuable when factoring in his natural offensive ability and Houston's need for more high-level defenders.
"The athletic forward has the versatility to defend two through four effectively due to his lateral quickness and pure strength," SI wrote. "The high upside talent does a very good job of battling down in the post and clearly isn’t afraid of contact."
Combing these two with an exciting young core that includes the likes of Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and Jae'Sean Tate should give Rockets fans tons to cheer for while increasing the hopes that the three-year streak of sub 23-win seasons is coming to an end.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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