Tag: Amen Thompson

Report: As trade deadline nears, Rockets prioritizing minutes for Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore

As the Feb. 8 trade deadline nears, the Rockets will be careful not to block minutes for rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, Jonathan Feigen reports.

With the NBA’s Feb. 8 deadline looming for 2023-24 in-season trades, the Rockets will be careful not to block minutes for emerging rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, according to Saturday’s update from Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

The Rockets will not sit out the deadline: They already struck one deal to acquire veteran center Steven Adams from Memphis. Adams, however, will not be medically cleared to play until next season. It remains to be seen if general manager Rafael Stone will fortify his 2023-24 roster as Houston (23-25) continues its push for at least a Western Conference play-in tournament spot this season.

The Rockets have a moderate amount of future draft capital to dangle as trade bait, along with multiple expiring contracts to potentially use as matching salary. But with Adams set to bolster the center rotation next season and Thompson and Whitmore improving by the week, the question is how aggressive the Rockets will bid for depth upgrades that aren’t a part of the longer-term blueprint.

In Saturday’s story, Feigen offers more context:

Even in the more modest, typical trade deadline goals of strengthening a rotation for a playoff push, the Rockets would be careful about bringing in players that would take minutes from Whitmore and Thompson.

Whitmore’s shooting has been valuable for a team among their league’s worst in 3-point shooting. Thompson’s defense has been especially strong for a rookie, with his rebounding outstanding any player at his position and his ballhandling and playmaking a plus for a secondary ballhandler (when playing with Fred VanVleet.) …

There could be interest in a short-term upgrade at center, but less pressure to make that sort of move given the likelihood that after the Adams trade, bringing in a sixth center would be for this season with a team still thinking long-term.

In the story, Feigen cited Whitmore and Thompson as developmental priorities alongside the other core draft prospects from Houston’s rebuilding years: third-year players Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun, and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason.

Elsewhere, Feigen mentions Utah’s Kelly Olynyk, Washington’s Daniel Gafford, and Charlotte’s Nick Richards as options for this season’s backup center role. However, he writes Stone and the Rockets would have to weigh whether any would play ahead of Jeff Green.

If not, it might not make sense to make a bid of significance, given that it’s a short-term hole (due to the presence of Adams next season).

Similarly, on the perimeter, many moderate upgrades may not be worth decreasing minutes for Thompson and/or Whitmore, particularly with Eason expected to return in the coming week.

Granted, a more substantial upgrade (such as an All-Star-caliber player) would change the calculus. But Feigen reports that such a player appears increasingly unlikely to be dealt this week.

In comments from earlier this week, head coach Ime Udoka mentioned 3-point shooting and versatility among big men as needs for the Rockets entering the Feb. 8 trade deadline window. But with minutes far from a guarantee — and especially in the long-term — it sounds as if Stone will be patient and wait for options at a lower price point, in terms of the asset value given up in any deal.

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Rookies Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore set career highs as Rockets blast Raptors

Rockets rookies Amen Thompson (19 points, 7 rebounds) and Cam Whitmore (25 points, 6 rebounds) each set career-highs Friday as Houston routed Toronto.

HOUSTON — In Friday’s finale of a three-game homestand at Toyota Center, rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore each set career highs in scoring as Houston routed Toronto, 135-106 (box score).

The Rockets (23-25) finished the homestand at 2-1, while the Raptors (17-31) lost for the 10th time in 12 games.

In a dominant win by the Rockets with a season-high 84 points in the paint, double-figure scorers for the home team included:

  • Cam Whitmore: 25 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals in 21 minutes; 10-of-17 shooting (58.8%), 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%)
  • Amen Thompson: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals in 24 minutes; 9-of-11 shooting (81.8%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 24 points, 13 rebounds, 8 assists in 29 minutes; 10-of-14 shooting (71.4%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50.0%)
  • Jalen Green: 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists in 27 minutes; 7-of-14 shooting (50.0%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 11 points, 3 rebounds in 24 minutes; 4-of-9 shooting (44.4%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40.0%)
  • Fred VanVleet: 10 points, 6 assists in 25 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 2-of-4 on 3-pointers (50.0%)

Whitmore has now scored 17 or more points in five straight games despite averaging under 25 minutes per game over that stretch.

Scottie Barnes led Toronto with 28 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 10-of-17 overall (58.8%) and 7-of-8 on free throws (87.5%).

Here’s our look at Friday’s highlights and postgame interviews, along with reaction by media members and fans. With the homestand in the books, next up for Houston is a tough game Sunday at Minnesota (34-14) to open up a four-game road trip. Tipoff is at 6 p.m. Central.

Jabari Smith Jr. to rep Rockets at NBA Rising Stars; Cam Whitmore, Amen Thompson left out

Jabari Smith Jr. is among the sophomores chosen for the NBA’s Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend, but rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore were left out.

On Tuesday, the NBA announced the 28 players who have earned spots to compete in the 2024 Panini Rising Stars challenge. The event will take place on Friday, Feb. 16, at Indianapolis’ Gainbridge Fieldhouse as an official part of the league’s 2024 All-Star Weekend.

The annual showcase of young talent, featuring a mini-tournament with four teams and three games, airs live at 8 p.m. Central on TNT.

In selecting players for the Rising Stars event, each NBA team submitted one ballot per coaching staff.  Each coaching staff selected four frontcourt players, four guards, and two additional players at either position, in order of preference, for rookies and sophomores. Coaches were not permitted to vote for any player on their team.

The NBA participants were determined by the total points each player received from the ballots. Points were awarded based on where a player was ranked on each ballot. The player pool includes one more rookie than sophomore based on total points received.

For the Houston Rockets, Jabari Smith Jr. is the lone representative. Fellow second-year forward Tari Eason likely would have joined Smith, but he’s been out due to a leg injury for the past month and has missed approximately half of Houston’s 2023-24 season to date.

A 6-foot-11, 220-pound forward, Smith is averaging 13.8 points (47.8% FG, 38.3% on 3-pointers) and 8.7 rebounds per game this season. He’s also one of Houston’s most valuable defensive players. Smith and Eason were both on the rookie Rising Stars roster last season, while Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun were in the sophomore group.

As for 2023-24, rookies Cam Whitmore and Amen Thompson have played very well in recent games, but neither was among the 11 rookies selected. Thompson missed most of Houston’s first six weeks of the season with an ankle injury, while Whitmore didn’t consistently join Houston’s rotation until approximately mid-January.

Thus, their surge may have come a bit too late for it to be properly accounted for in voting conducted by opposing coaches.

Unlike the previous two seasons, the 2023-24 Rockets (22-24) are much more competitive, which has also made it more difficult for rookies to earn consistent playing time to put up gaudy statistics.

Read on for the full rosters, teams, and more details on the format, as well as key numbers on Smith’s sophomore season in Houston.

As Lakers visit, Rockets’ top rookies embrace opportunities versus NBA royalty

Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore on potentially facing LeBron James: “I’ve been waiting 19 years of my life to be in the league, to play with these stars.”

Over the last 20 years, many NBA players have come and gone. Some had extended stays of a decade or more in the league, while others retired early due to injuries or to pursue other business ventures. Some weren’t able to handle the daily life of an NBA player and lacked the necessary talent and/or discipline to further their careers.

One player who stood the test of time is the league’s all-time leading scorer and four-time NBA Finals MVP, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers. If he takes the court Monday in Houston (James is questionable with a left ankle issue), two Rockets will be quite excited to compete against one of the greatest athletes of all-time.

Rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore, drafted in the 2023 first round, have made it clear: They’re true competitors at heart.

At Monday’s game-day shootaround, both Rockets made it clear they want the challenge of playing against James. It’s an opportunity they missed in three earlier Rockets-Lakers meetings this season. Thompson was sidelined by an ankle injury and Whitmore was limited to mop-up duty in the closing minutes of a blowout.

“I’ve been watching him since I was out the womb, to be honest,” said Whitmore, who grew up as more of a fan of former MVP Russell Westbrook than he did of James. “At the end of the day, I’ve been waiting 19 years of my life to be in the league, to play with these stars. He (James) is still at it, playing like he is my age.”

James is coming off a 145-144 overtime victory at Golden State, during which he went toe-to-toe with another NBA great in Warriors guard Steph Curry. In the latest example of James’ continuous improvement and ability to defy time, the 39-year-old finished with 36 points, 20 rebounds and 12 assists, along with the two winning free throws.

Those types of memorable performances are what Thompson remembers watching as a child while accompanied by his father, Troy Sr., and twin brother, Ausar (now of the Detroit Pistons). Like Amen, his brother and father are also fans of James. When asked about facing James, like Whitmore, Thompson’s competitive side came out while showing some respect to the NBA legend.

“I am looking forward to it,” Thompson said Monday. “This is a team I have always wanted to play my whole life, but it is like any other game, but I am looking forward to it for sure.”

“That is a player I looked up to growing up,” Thompson said of potentially facing James. “It is going to be great to play against him. … He is the first player I watched, and I loved his game.”

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Rockets coach Ime Udoka sees parallels in Amen Thompson, early career Ben Simmons

Ime Udoka on Amen Thompson: “I coached somebody, Ben Simmons, who had similar traits… as far as size and ability to push the pace, and find guys and finish.“

It’s become easy to forget, but prior to missing extensive time with back injuries and mental health issues in recent years, Ben Simmons was a three-time All-Star with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Even though Simmons was never a reliable outside shooter, his rare combination of size, athleticism, passing and defensive versatility made him a valuable point guard with the Sixers. He learned to provide value as an off-ball cutter and offensive rebounder when playing alongside superstar big man Joel Embiid.

Arguably Simmons’ best year came in 2019-20, when he averaged 16.4 points (58% FG), 8 assists, 7.8 rebounds and an NBA-leading 2.1 steals per game. One of Philadelphia’s assistant coaches that season was Ime Udoka, now head coach of the Rockets.

In Houston, Udoka has a 6-foot-7 athletic rookie guard, Amen Thompson, who also has a questionable jump shot, at least according to pre-draft scouting reports.

While Thompson hopes to improve his shooting as the years progress, the pre-injury version of Simmons is a reminder there is a path to making a big impact, even with a below-average jumper.

At Tuesday’s practice, Udoka outlined some similarities he sees between Thompson and Simmons, his former player.

Among his comments (via Chancellor Johnson of KPRC Houston):

The skill set is there, and it’s something that’s unique with his speed, athleticism, size, passing ability, and all those things.

I coached somebody, Ben Simmons, who had similar traits … as far as size and ability to push the pace, and find guys and finish. There are some similarities there.

We’re finding different ways to use him. When he doesn’t have the ball, it’s not his comfort zone. When you’re out there with Fred (VanVleet), Jalen (Green), or different lineups, you’re going to have to play off the ball, at times. He’s finding ways to slash behind, get on the glass, and make plays on the second side.

It’s all experience, for him. A guy that’s had the ball his whole career, to be able to play off the ball, it will impact our team in a more positive way.

Thompson is coming off career highs of 15 points and 14 rebounds in Houston’s last game on Sunday night versus Boston. The 20-year-old, drafted fourth in the 2023 first round, also had five assists in a game the short-handed Rockets made much closer than expected.

In the previous game, Thompson had a game-saving block in the closing moments of overtime as Houston held off Utah to secure what could be an important victory for its 2023-24 playoff push.

Thompson and the Rockets (20-22) look to build on that on Wednesday night versus Portland (12-30). Tipoff in Houston’s finale of a three-game homestand is set for 7 p.m. Central.

For Thompson, it could mean minutes facing rival point guard Scoot Henderson, who was drafted by the Trail Blazers one spot ahead of where Houston picked Thompson last June.

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Rockets coach Ime Udoka reveals areas for Amen Thompson to improve

Amen Thompson earned his first start on Sunday, producing 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and one steal in a loss to the Celtics.

Amen Thompson earned his first start on Sunday and registered a rare double-double for the short-handed Houston Rockets in a loss to the Boston Celtics.

Thompson produced a career-high 15 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and one steal in the 116-107 loss at the Toyota Center. He finished 10-of-18 from the field in 32 minutes for his second double-double of the season.

The fourth pick earned the start in place of Fred VanVleet, who is dealing with back tightness. He thrived in transition and had several dazzling passes by pressuring the rim to find the open man, though he wasn’t satisfied with the effort in a loss.

“(It was) a good performance, (but just) couldn’t get a win,” Thompson said afterward. “(I’m going to) take it one day at a time and move on to the next game against Portland.”

Thompson logged over 30 minutes for the first time this season. He guarded Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum and Derrick White throughout the contest and did as well as one could expect against such established players.

Ime Udoka thought Thompson performed well in his first start, but as expected, there were some sequences the Rockets coach hopes will serve as learning moments for the 20-year-old.

He needs to continue to understand when to be aggressive (and) when to find guys. That balance there of him attacking all of the time, as well as how teams are guarding him, is us using him in different ways as a screener at times and initiating out of DHOs when the big is back, but at the same time, not settling for the shots they want him to take and taking the shots he wants to get: His mid-range pull-up and getting out in transition. When he does that, he is good. It is a learning curve and process for him. Until his shot improves, teams are going to guard him a certain (way) with lineups and matchups. We got to get better, but we have to put him in some positions to succeed.

Thompson is averaging 6.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, two assists and one steal on 45.5% shooting from the field, including 13.3% (4-of-30) from 3-point range. He has scored in double figures five times and is one of eight first-year players with multiple double-doubles.

He suffered an ankle injury earlier this season that cost him over a month of action, so Thompson is still working to find his way on the court. He has dazzled with his athleticism and ability in transition, and the team will look to continue to take advantage of those abilities.

Thompson still has plenty of room to grow as a player, having only played 23 games, but the early returns have certainly been encouraging for his potential to develop into a franchise cornerstone.

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Reaction: Celtics edge short-handed Rockets as Alperen Sengun posts third career triple-double

Alperen Sengun (24/12/10) had his third career triple-double, but the weary and short-handed Rockets couldn’t complete Sunday’s comeback bid against Boston.

HOUSTON — On the second night of a difficult back-to-back at Toyota Center, the severely short-handed Rockets (20-22) couldn’t quite keep pace with the loaded Boston Celtics (33-10) in a 116-107 loss (box score). But the home team didn’t go down without a fight.

Despite trailing by double digits most of the way, Houston kept pushing and came within a possession on multiple trips in the fourth quarter. However, the Rockets couldn’t get a final breakthrough.

Big man Kristaps Porzingis led Boston with 32 points and 5 blocks, and he made 6-of-11 from 3-point range (54.5%). He was countered by Houston’s Alperen Sengun, who had 24 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists in the third triple-double of his NBA career. Sengun made 10-of-18 shots (55.6%) and all four of his free throws.

Houston was without Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management), Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain), Fred VanVleet (lower back tightness), Jeff Green (left calf soreness) and Reggie Bullock (lower back pain). Back-to-back considerations played a role in some of those decisions, according to head coach Ime Udoka.

Given those absences, Houston had its pair of highly drafted rookies — Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore — make their first NBA starts. Thompson played well with 15 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists, making 5-of-10 shots (50%) and 5-of-6 free throws (83.3%).

For Whitmore, it was a struggle with 5 points and 4 rebounds on 2-of-7 shooting (28.6%). He went 0-of-2 on free throws when the Rockets were down only three points in the closing minutes.

Dillon Brooks led Houston with 25 points and 4 steals, making 5-of-15 from 3-point range (33.3%), and his defense helped limit Celtics star Jayson Tatum to just 18 points on 4-of-17 shooting (23.5%).

Jalen Green and Aaron Holiday each had 5 assists and 4 rebounds while scoring 16 and 12 points, respectively. Both were stepping into larger-than-usual roles in the absence of VanVleet.

Here’s our look at Sunday’s highlights and postgame interviews from Toyota Center, along with reaction by media members and fans. Now 1-1 on a three-game homestand, Houston wraps it up on Wednesday versus Portland (12-29), with tipoff set for 7 p.m. Central.

As injury replacements, Rockets rookies Amen Thompson, Cam Whitmore make first NBA starts

With Fred VanVleet (lower back tightness) and Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) out, Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore each started in Houston for the first time.

HOUSTON — On the second night of a back-to-back, the Rockets held out veterans Fred VanVleet (lower back tightness) and Jeff Green (left calf soreness) from Sunday’s game versus Boston.

Neither injury appears particularly serious, but with the Rockets coming off an exhausting overtime victory on Saturday versus Utah, head coach Ime Udoka was conservative with his veterans. VanVleet is Houston’s trusted starter at point guard, while Green is the team’s backup center and among its most productive reserves.

Udoka said VanVleet has had nagging back soreness for at least a week, and his high minutes totals in recent games made the second night of a back-to-back an opportune time to rest.

Houston was also without Tari Eason (left lower leg injury management), Jabari Smith Jr. (left ankle sprain) and Reggie Bullock (lower back pain) on Sunday against the Celtics. Eason and Bullock have missed multiple games with their injuries; Smith rolled his left ankle in the final seconds of Saturday’s victory.

In the absence of VanVleet and Smith, who normally start, rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore each made their first NBA start on Sunday against the Celtics. Both rookies had key contributions to Saturday’s win, and Udoka appears ready to try them in larger roles.

Thompson (4th pick in 2023) and Whitmore (20th) were a part of Houston’s highly touted first-round draft class.

The Rockets have two days off before returning to action on Wednesday night at home versus Portland. That should give those veterans an opportunity to get healthy.

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Takeaways: In pivotal game, Alperen Sengun’s career night lifts Rockets over Jazz

In a game with potentially large standings implications, Alperen Sengun tied his career high with 37 points as Houston rallied past Utah in overtime.

HOUSTON — In a game with potentially significant standings implications, Rockets center Alperen Sengun led the way with a career-high-tying 37 points, 14 rebounds, and 6 assists in Saturday’s thrilling 127-126 overtime win (box score) over the Jazz. A rising All-Star candidate, Sengun made 15-of-26 shots (57.7%) for the game, often while facing strong defense from Utah’s Walker Kessler.

With Saturday’s result in, Houston (20-21) and Utah (22-22) are currently separated by a half-game in an extremely tight race for the final two play-in tournament spots in the Western Conference.

Sengun and rookie Amen Thompson each had a key late block for the Rockets, who played the final two minutes of regulation and overtime without Fred VanVleet, who fouled out. Houston’s veteran floor general finished with 18 points and 7 assists.

Jabari Smith Jr. had 24 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 steals while shooting 4-of-8 from 3-point range (50.0%). Smith’s free throw in the final minute of overtime was the decisive point, though it came at a cost, since he subsequently limped off with a sprained left ankle (which occurred on the foul leading to free throws).

Fellow rookie Cam Whitmore was impressive with 17 points and 5 rebounds in 27 reserve minute, shooting 4-of-6 from 3-point range (66.7%). That helped Houston survive another off night from starter Jalen Green, who had 7 points while missing all six of his 3-pointers.

The Jazz were led by veteran guards Jordan Clarkson (33 points) and Collin Sexton (28 points). But despite combining to score 61, each missed a close shot in the final 40 seconds of overtime that could have put Utah in front. The Jazz had won 12 of their previous 15 games going in, while the Rockets were coming off a 1-5 road trip.

Here’s our look at Saturday’s highlights and postgame interviews from Toyota Center, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston continues its homestand with night two of a back-to-back on Sunday versus Boston (32-10), with tipoff at 6:00 p.m. Central.

Takeaways: Defensive slide continues as Sixers star Joel Embiid blasts Rockets

In his return from injury, reigning MVP Joel Embiid was outstanding (41 points, 10 rebounds) and vastly outplayed Alperen Sengun. It led to a blowout Sixers win.

The road woes continued for the Rockets in Monday afternoon’s 124-115 loss (box score) to the Philadelphia 76ers (25-13). With the latest defeat, Houston (19-20) is 1-4 on its six-game road trip and a ghastly 4-14 away from home this season.

Ime Udoka’s Rockets find themselves below .500 for only the second time since Nov. 6 — and they’re just a half-game ahead of the Lakers (19-21) for 10th in the Western Conference standings, which represents the final play-in tournament spot.

In Monday’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee, Sixers star Joel Embiid returned from a knee injury and quickly showed why he’s the reigning NBA MVP. In 31 minutes, Embiid dominated with 41 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 12-of-21 overall (57.1%) and making 16-of-17 from the free-throw line (94.1%).

“We have to be physical without fouling,” Udoka said postgame. “We were undisciplined there. We know he’s a guy that’s gonna swipe.”

“The things we talked about, we didn’t really execute on that end, defensively,” Udoka said. “We wanna be physical without fouling and when they were in the bonus, we gave them some easy shots or some questionable calls with the sweep through and all that.”

Rising star Tyrese Maxey added 27 points and 7 assists at point guard while making 6-of-10 from 3-point range (60%).

Alperen Sengun led the Rockets with 19 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists, but his five first-quarter turnovers helped put Houston in an early hole it never came close to digging itself out of.

Houston’s other statistical standouts included:

  • Dillon Brooks: 18 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals; 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%), 2-of-3 on 3-pointers (66.7%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 13 points, 7 rebounds; 5-of-9 shooting (55.6%)
  • Jalen Green: 20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists; 7-of-16 shooting (43.8%), 1-of-7 on 3-pointers (14.3%), 5-of-7 on free throws (71.4%)
  • Cam Whitmore: 14 points, 6 rebounds in 23 minutes; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)
  • Amen Thompson: 14 points, 3 rebounds in 19 minutes; 7-of-8 shooting (87.5%)

Tari Eason remains sidelined by a lower left leg injury, which traces back to a stress reaction in the 2023-24 preseason. His playing status will be re-evaluated when the team returns home later this week.

Eason’s absence has certainly harmed Houston’s increasingly leaky defense. After ranking as high as second in net defensive rating earlier this season, the Rockets are eighth among the NBA’s 30 teams, and 19th in nine January games. For the season, Houston remains winless when giving up at least 120 points, and it has allowed that in all four losses on this road trip.

Here’s our look at Monday’s highlights and postgame interviews from Philadelphia, along with reaction by media members and fans.

Houston finishes its increasingly miserable road trip on Wednesday at New York (23-17), where the tip is set for 6:30 p.m. Central.