BREAKING: Rockets Take Amen Thompson With No. 4 Pick In 2023 NBA Draft
HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets used their top overall selection of the 2023 NBA Draft on Amen Thompson from Overtime Elite Thursday night inside Barclays Center. Thompson made history by becoming the first prospect the Rockets drafted in franchise history with the No. 4 pick.
He is a 6-foot-7 guard who can play on and off the ball and is an excellent plug-and-play prospect for the Rockets. He could take the helm as the starting forward who doesn't take away from Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr.
During the 2022-23 campaign, Thompson averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 assists and 5.9 rebounds for the City Reapers. His twin brother Ausar Thompson described Amen as a great shot-maker and facilitator that any ball club would be "blessed" to add to their team this summer.
"I'm just trying to contribute to winning," Thompson said. "When I look back at my career at Overtime Elite, I do not regret anything. OTE got me prepared for the next level. It taught me how to be a pro early on, and I am thankful for the help they have given me."
Unless they trade the pick, the Rockets will make their next draft selection at No. 20. But according to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, management had been working the phone since Wednesday in hopes of moving up in the draft.
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