One year ago, the 2022 NBA draft board changed dramatically on the final day, and it led to the Houston Rockets (picking at No. 3) selecting Jabari Smith Jr. instead of Paolo Banchero.
There was no such drama in 2023. This time, the Rockets — at No. 4 in the first round — selected who most analysts expected them to get going into the draft: 20-year-old Amen Thompson.
A 6-foot-7 point guard prospect, Thompson averaged 16.3 points (56.8% FG, 23.3% on 3-pointers), 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.4 steals and 28.2 minutes last season in the Overtime Elite professional basketball league. While his shot needs work, he’s an elite athlete who already possesses strong playmaking and defensive versatility.
Should the shot improve, Thompson could become a star-level lead guard, which the rebuilding Rockets desperately need. That’s a big part of the case for his upside, which analysts such as ESPN’s Jonathan Givony have described as second-highest in the 2023 draft class (trailing only Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick).
With that upside in mind, the Thompson pick was well received by most NBA analysts and fans across social media, as shown in these real-time reactions. Stay tuned to Rockets Wire for further updates throughout Thursday’s draft night, as Thompson and Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will each take media questions.