Rockets' Amen Thompson is 'A Joy Of A Lifetime': OTE Coach Dave Leitao
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 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 fit in anywhere up to small forward for the Rockets, especially after they signed Fred VanVleet in free agency.
Dave Leitao, Thompson's coach at Overtime Elite (OTE), spoke to KPRC2's Chancellor Johnson about his impact off the court.
"I've said to a lot of people that his personality, his humility, we can talk about all the other basketball intangibles, but it starts with a great foundation," Leitao said. "He's been a very welcome addition to my life and to have a guy like that is a joy of a lifetime."
When asked if there was a special moment from Thompson, Leitao explained that it happened "really early on."
"When we got together two years ago to start OTE, there was a very obvious thing that everybody sees, which is his athletic ability," Leitao said. "I've been around some athletes in my time and what he did on a weekly basis, some of the things he did I've never seen before. It's been his growth, it's checking the box of being the human being he is, how thoughtful he is and then his insatiable work ethic."
Leitao believes Thompson has a bright NBA future over the next 5-to-10 years.
"There's potential for multiple All-Star games, Leitao said. "The best part of his game could potentially be his defense and once he learns the nuances of the NBA and how to guard certain players, that'll be a great strength of his. He will be a tremendous contributor to winning."
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
Want the latest in news and insider information on the Houston Rockets? Click here
Follow Inside the Rockets on Facebook here
Follow Inside the Rockets on Twitter @InsideRocketsFN
Want even more Houston Rockets news? Check out the SI.com team page here
