Rockets Rookie Amen Thompson: 'I Want To Be Known As A Great Teammate'
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 2022-23 season.
Thompson played point guard in the Overtime Elite league, but his 6-foot-7 height suggests he may line up at small forward for the Rockets, especially after they signed Fred VanVleet in free agency.
Thompson recently starred in a Rockets hype video, and he listed a few personal and team goals for his NBA career.
"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".
Rockets new coach Ime Udoka had winning experience before as he guided the Boston Celtics to the NBA Finals (lost in six games) in his first season as their leader. Houston is among the youngest teams in the NBA, so the players, including Thompson are likely more eager to improve.
The Rockets are not expected to win much this season, but a few years down the line, Thompson may have the talent and potential to lead Houston and achieve some of his goals.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
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