Rockets Coach Ime Udoka On Amen Thompson: 'There's No Real Ceiling'
Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had high praises for rookie Amen Thompson and his potential in the NBA.
"There’s no real ceiling because of the physical gifts that he has," Udoka said via AT&T SportsNet. "You've seen guys over the years with all the physical traits, you need to have that competitive fire as well and that's when you get the special players."
Thompson was drafted by the Rockets with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 Draft out of Overtime Elite. During the season leading up to the draft, he averaged 16.4 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game and 5.9 assists per game while also swiping 2.3 steals per game.
His older brother, Troy Jr., played college basketball at Prairie View A&M. His twin brother, Ausar, was drafted one pick behind him at No. 5 overall by the Detroit Pistons.
"He's a guy who obviously has been raised and brought up through this, a older brother and his twin brother as well, so I'm sure it's a very competitive household and that kind of breeds that natural competitive streak that he has in him," Udoka said.
"When you match those with the physical gifts, there's no ceiling to him. It's just a matter of work ethic, coming in, remaining humble and doing the things that got him to this point, so the sky is the limit with him."
Heading into the draft, Thompson was considered an elite point guard prospect, albeit with some flaws. His interior scoring, defense, passing and court vision were all considered major positives in his game. He did struggle shooting though, shooting well under 30% from deep and 65.6% from the free throw line.
Thompson will be in action when the NBA preseason arrives, starting with a home game for Houston against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
