In June, new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka introduced himself to Houston fans by throwing out a ceremonial first pitch for Major League Baseball’s Astros, the defending World Series champions.
On Friday, with training camp for the 2023-24 NBA season a little over a week away, newly drafted Rockets rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore took advantage of the same perk.
Thompson, drafted at No. 4 overall in the 2023 first round, is fully healthy and ready to go after suffering a grade-two ankle sprain at the NBA’s 2023 summer league. Whitmore, the No. 20 pick, hopes to build on his momentum from winning summer-league MVP.
While neither Thompson nor Whitmore is originally from Houston, they’re getting acclimated to the city in the days leading up to training camp. Thus, an opportunity to take the big stage at Minute Maid Park — where the city’s most prestigious sports franchise of this generation plays — was one they couldn’t responsibly pass up.
Through photos, videos, and interview quotes, here’s a look back at all of Friday’s activities involving the two Rockets rookies.