How Will Rockets Use 'Athletic Weapon' Amen Thompson?
The Houston Rockets selected Amen Thompson with the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft, hoping he'd make an immediate impact with his playmaking and athletic abilities.
Thompson, 20, was one of the few draftees that didn't go to college as he, along with his twin brother Ausar, played in the Overtime Elite league. Amen Thompson averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists and a very solid 2.3 steals per game in the 2022-23 season.
Thompson played point guard in the Overtime Elite league, but his 6-foot-7 height suggests he may line up elsewhere for the Rockets. Regardless, he is expected to come off the bench as free agent signee Fred VanVleet will likely be the starting point guard and Jalen Green will line up at shooting guard.
Even though he'll be coming off the bench, Bleacher Report's Jonathan Wasserman believes Thompson will have a crucial role during his rookie season.
"He'll begin his career being used as a pick-and-roll ball-handler and athletic weapon for transition scoring and defensive playmaking," Wasserman said.
Thompson suffered a Grade 2 ankle sprain with one minute left in his Summer League debut, sidelining him for the rest of the tournament. However, he shined during his 28.4 minutes on the floor, recording 16 points, five assists, four rebounds, four blocks and three steals in a win against the Portland Trail Blazers on July 7.
Wasserman acknowledged Thompson's short but sweet stint in the annual tournament, stating that his athleticism will take him a long way.
"While he played only one game in Las Vegas, he showed how dangerous his burst can be in space and how functional his quickness, bounce and coordination are for finishing, forcing turnovers and contesting shots," Wasserman said.
Thompson hopes he won't stay on the bench long but said everything he does for his team now will help him with some personal goals in the long run.
"I want to be known as just a great teammate," Thomson said. "You know, some MVPs and Defensive Player of the Year. We got players who have the potential to be great players to help us win championships and I am looking forward to being a part of that".
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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