Amen Thompson drew plenty of praise throughout the offseason with the Houston Rockets, and the fourth pick is emerging as a standout early in training camp.
Thompson has looked explosive in practice this week and appears to have a firm grasp on what the Rockets are doing to start training camp. The opportunity to learn from the veterans on the roster should also only help expedite his growth this season.
Of course, Thompson entered the NBA highly touted for his athleticism, size and ability to defend. He is also turning heads on offense, something that Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has noticed.
“I think a guy that has stood out to a lot of people is Amen,” Udoka said, via Vanessa Richardson of AT&T SportsNet SW. “His pace is real; his size, athleticism. He has that burst so he really ignites the fastbreak on his own so he has been great.”
Amen Thompson is gonna be so fun to watch this season. (via @Nolimitdevvo) pic.twitter.com/qQ2AwdWZ3B
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) October 6, 2023
Thompson has also displayed his IQ and a great feel for the game, traits that can’t be taught. His role has yet to be defined for this season but it appears as though he’ll be able to find some minutes at the backend of the rotation to start the year.
He will certainly have to continue to learn how to read defenses in order to get consistent playing time, but the 20-year-old believes that will come with reps.
“You got to learn the rotations on offense, but once you get that, it translates,” Thompson said on Friday. “I was gifted with that ability so it is translating so far.”
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