Rockets' Amen Thompson: Rookie of the Year?
Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson is a candidate for the NBA's Rookie of the Year Award, but he faces some strict competition.
Not only does he have to compete against those drafted before him (Victor Wembanyama, Brandon Miller, Scoot Henderson), but he also has to get past Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren, who was drafted No. 2 overall in 2022 but missed the entire season with a foot injury.
In a poll curated by ESPN experts, Thompson was listed fourth in the voting behind Holmgren, Wembanyama and Henderson. Thompson received more points than No. 2 pick Miller, but the pair received the same amount of first-place votes.
Regardless of whether he takes home top rookie honors or not, Thompson should be considered a force for the Rockets early on in his career.
The 6-7 rookie can play multiple positions and different styles, both on and off the ball, making him a candidate to contribute immediately. But he may not crack the starting lineup immediately after the Rockets signed Fred VanVleet this offseason ... which certainly takes a hit towards his Rookie of the Year chances.
Regardless of what the plans are for 2023-24, Thompson is slated to be a big part of the Rockets' future, and he can build up to that in a very methodical way that feels organic and natural rather than simply throwing him out to the wolves.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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