Tag: Amen Thompson

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson returns from injury with NBA G League assignment

After missing over a month with a Grade 2 ankle sprain, Rockets rookie Amen Thompson is returning to the court with what is effectively a rehab assignment.

After missing more than a month with a Grade 2 sprain to his left ankle, rookie guard Amen Thompson is finally returning to the court.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, is beginning his return process with Houston’s NBA G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) Vipers.

Houston announced Thompson’s G League assignment on Tuesday morning along with assignments for fellow rookie Cam Whitmore and two-way players Jermaine Samuels Jr. and Nate Hinton.

Thompson has gradually increased his physical workouts in recent weeks, and Rockets head coach Ime Udoka indicated a G League assignment would be part of that buildup process.

For Thompson and the others, their G League playing time could begin as soon as Wednesday, when the Vipers face Oklahoma City. They play in Birmingham on Friday and Saturday (schedule).

Once fully cleared, Thompson could help the Rockets fill some of the backup point guard minutes behind Fred VanVleet while bringing considerable length, athleticism and defensive versatility.

Just 20 years old, Thompson had averaged 6.3 points (40.9% FG) and 2.8 rebounds in 16.8 minutes to begin his NBA career. His injury occurred in Houston’s fourth regular-season game.

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Rockets’ Amen Thompson likely to miss 1 more week with ankle injury

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson recently shed the walking boot on his right foot and is progressing from a Grade 2 ankle sprain.

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson recently shed the walking boot on his right foot and is progressing in his recovery from a Grade 2 ankle sprain, he told Kelly Iko of The Athletic.

Thompson sustained the injury on Nov. 1 against the Charlotte Hornets when the 20-year-old appeared to step on the foot of a defender. Rockets coach Ime Udoka confirmed the extent of the injury after the game and said Thompson would miss an undefined amount of time.

The fourth pick was seen afterward in a walking boot and on crutches. He appears to be recovering well and could be on the verge of returning in the next two weeks, according to the report.

I caught up with rookie Amen Thompson briefly after the game, who told me he’s feeling great and is itching to get back on the floor. He’s no longer in a walking boot, and while he said a return this week is unlikely, we’ll see if he’s cleared to resume basketball activities after that.

Thompson has emerged as the Rockets’ backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet in the early going this season. In four games, Thompson is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9% shooting from the field.

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Draymond Green explains why Wemby, Thompson twins are unique rookies

The former Defensive Player of the Year is excited to watch the incoming rookie class play this season.

The NBA season is underway, and the incoming rookie class has already produced some strong performances through the first half-dozen games.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has looked the part of a generational player, while another 7-footer, Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren, is finding early success. Other first-year players have also found their way with outstanding performances, too.

Draymond Green likes what he is seeing from the group.

Green and the Golden State Warriors have already faced some of the top rookies this season: Holmgren, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, and Detroit Pistons guards Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser.

He believes it is a unique group of players this year.

When you look at this rookie class, it doesn’t really look like a rookie class. Even our two rookies (Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis), if you put those guys in the game, they don’t make mistakes that rookies make. It is the same thing for the Thompson twins and Wemby. You start to look down at the list and even Marcus Sasser — they don’t look like rookies. I think it’s an incredible class.

Green even joked that the arrival of the Wembanyama and the Thompson twins in the league would make it harder for him to earn a place on an All-Defensive team this season based on their effectiveness on that end of the court.

The three players have been, perhaps, the top defenders from the class in the early going. Of course, Wembanyama has the size to defend the paint and the athleticism to close out on the 3-point line. The Thompson twins have dazzled as on-ball and weak-side defenders.

The art of defending, Green believes, is a bit rare now for first-year players coming into the league. He is excited to see that change with this group entering the league.

“I’m happy to see young guys coming into this league taking on the challenge of defending,” Green said. “So many young guys come into this league (looking to) score; it’s all about scoring: ‘How can I get my shot off?’ It is such the wrong mindset to come in with. It is good to see these guys come in with a different mindset.”

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Rockets’ Ime Udoka: Amen Thompson suffered Grade 2 ankle sprain vs. Hornets

Rockets rookie Amen Thompson suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain on Wednesday in a win over the Hornets.

Houston Rockets rookie Amen Thompson suffered a Grade 2 right ankle sprain on Wednesday in a win over the Charlotte Hornets, head coach Ime Udoka said.

Thompson endured the injury in the third quarter when the 20-year-old appeared to step on the foot of a defender. He looked to be in immediate pain but eventually left the court and walked to the locker room without assistance.

He recorded four points, one rebound and one assist in 13 minutes.

Udoka said after the 128-119 victory that there was no timetable for Thompson to return to the court. He was seen leaving the Toyota Center in a walking boot on crutches.

Thompson has emerged as the Rockets’ backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet in the early going this season. In four games, the fourth pick is averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9% shooting from the field.

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Rockets 128, Hornets 119: With another 20-10 game, Fred VanVleet leads way to first win

Fred VanVleet had another 20+ point and 10+ assist game and led the Rockets to their first win of the season in Wednesday’s victory over Charlotte.

Fred VanVleet led the way with 22 points and 11 assists as the Rockets (1-3) picked up their first win of the 2023-24 regular season with Wednesday’s 128-119 victory (box score) over Charlotte (1-3). Rookie guard Amen Thompson left early with a right ankle sprain.

For VanVleet, Houston’s flagship signing in 2023 free agency, it was the second time in three games he has scored 20-plus points while dishing at least 10 assists. VanVleet largely outplayed star Hornets guard LaMelo Ball, who had 19 points and 5 assists.

As a team, the Rockets made 21-of-37 from 3-point range (56.8%), which was easily their best performance of the season to date. VanVleet led the way with five makes in 10 attempts (50%).

All five of Houston’s starters scored in double figures. Other standouts from Wednesday’s game included:

  • Jalen Green: 23 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals; 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50%), 7-of-7 on free throws
  • Dillon Brooks: 20 points, 5 assists, 5 steals; 7-of-9 shooting (77.8%), 3-of-3 on 3-pointers
  • Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists; 9-of-12 shooting (75%), 1-of-1 on 3-pointers
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 17 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists; 7-of-10 shooting (70%), 3-of-5 on 3-pointers (60%)

Here are highlights and interviews from Wednesday night, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston as the seven-game homestand, the longest of the season, continues at Toyota Center is Saturday’s matchup versus Sacramento. Tipoff is at 7 p.m. Central.

Rockets lose rookie guard Amen Thompson to Grade 2 right ankle sprain

#Rockets rookie Amen Thompson left Wednesday’s game with a Grade 2 right ankle sprain, and he left Toyota Center on crutches, @BigSargeSportz reports.

Houston Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson sprained his right ankle during a third-quarter transition sequence in Wednesday’s game (box score) versus the Charlotte Hornets at Toyota Center. The team ruled him out for the remainder of the game shortly thereafter.

Thompson, drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round, initially pounded the floor in pain and appeared reluctant to put any weight on his injured ankle. However, he eventually walked to the locker room without assistance and with only a moderate limp.

Thompson suffered a Grade 2 left ankle sprain in July during the NBA’s 2023 summer league. That injury had an estimated two-to-four week recovery timetable. Wednesday’s injury was to Thompson’s right ankle, so it’s not a recurrence of the same issue.

In postgame comments, head coach Ime Udoka said this was also a Grade 2 ankle sprain, which could suggest a similar return timetable. Thompson left on crutches, per Brian Barefield of Rockets Wire.

Thompson is Houston’s backup point guard behind Fred VanVleet — though his elite athleticism has already made him a trusted defender to Udoka at multiple positions. Once Thompson left Wednesday, veteran guard Aaron Holiday absorbed the available minutes.

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NBA execs poll: Where Rockets rank among top young players to build around

In a poll of NBA execs, Houston’s Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr. were viewed among the league’s top 10 players to build around who are under 25 years old.

With the start of the 2023-24 season here, HoopsHype polled 20 NBA executives for their top five players under 25 years old.

After dominating this executives poll for the past three years, Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic battled with San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama for the top spot in a tight race.

Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, Indiana Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton, and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey were among the top risers in the poll, while LaMelo Ball and Zion Williamson were among players whose stock slipped. In addition, 11 players earned votes for the first time.

Under this scoring system, the top player received 10 points, the second received seven points, the third received five points, the fourth received three points, and the fifth player received one point for each ballot. The results of the poll, which featured four young prospects on the 2023-24 Houston Rockets roster, are listed below.

Further analysis is available from Michael Scotto at HoopsHype.

Takeaways: Warriors hold off Jalen Green, Rockets as Steph Curry explodes late

Jalen Green led the #Rockets with 21 points and 9 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to avoid an 0-3 start after a late flurry by Golden State’s Steph Curry.

The Rockets stormed back from a 16-point deficit to grab a fourth-quarter lead, but they couldn’t hold it in Sunday’s 106-95 loss (box score) to Golden State. Houston, which played its home opener of the 2023-24 regular season. is 0-3 under new coach Ime Udoka.

The Rockets held Steph Curry in check for much of the game, but the future Hall of Famer erupted late with four 3-pointers in the game’s final six minutes as the Warriors (2-1) pulled away. Curry finished with a game-high 24 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, and he connected on 6-of-14 from 3-point range (42.9%).

Jalen Green led the Rockets with 21 points and 9 rebounds, though he shot just 8-of-20 from the field (40%) and 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20%). Other Houston players of note included:

  • Alperen Sengun: 19 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds; 7-of-15 shooting (46.7%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%), 4-of-4 on free throws
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 14 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals; 6-of-12 shooting (50%), 2-of-6 on 3-pointers (33.3%)
  • Dillon Brooks: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists; 4-of-10 shooting (40%), 2-of-5 on 3-pointers (40%)
  • Amen Thompson: 9 points, 4 rebounds in 20 minutes; 3-of-5 shooting (60%), 1-of-2 on 3-pointers (50%)
  • Jae’Sean Tate: 6 points, 8 rebounds in 22 minutes; 2-of-6 shooting (33.3%)

Curry’s veteran backcourt mate, Klay Thompson, added 19 points for the Warriors and made 5-of-10 from 3-point range (50%). Overall, Golden State’s 18-of-45 night (40%) from long range proved too much of a math advantage to overcome for a gritty Houston squad that competed hard but made 9-of-33 shots (27.3%) from deep.

Here are highlights and interviews from Sunday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston, as a season-long homestand of seven games continues, is Wednesday’s matchup versus Charlotte. Tipoff from Toyota Center is at 7 p.m. Central.

Interviews: Rockets, Ime Udoka disappointed by season-opening dud in Orlando

“That was the worst game we’ve played, individually and collectively,” #Rockets coach Ime Udoka said after a 30-point loss in Wednesday’s opener at Orlando.

The Rockets began the 2023-24 NBA regular season with an absolute dud in Wednesday’s 116-86 blowout loss (box score) at Orlando. The long, athletic, and physical defense of the Magic flustered Jalen Green, Amen Thompson and Jabari Smith Jr., arguably Houston’s most talented young prospects, into very inefficient games.

Cole Anthony and Franz Wagner led Orlando with 20 and 17 points, respectively, while third-year center Alperen Sengun and veterans Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks all scored 14 for Houston.

Brooks, Green, Thompson and head coach Ime Udoka met with media members postgame and address Wednesday’s very disappointing result.

“That was the worst game we’ve played, individually and collectively,” Udoka told reporters.

Courtesy of Jackson Gatlin of Locked on Rockets, here’s what each had to say. The Rockets next return to the court on Friday in San Antonio, with tipoff scheduled for 7 p.m. Central.

‘He’ll find his way’: Rockets confident in Amen Thompson after uneven debut

Amen Thompson had an uneven debut with the Rockets, but the team isn’t necessarily concerned with the performance.

ORLANDO, Fla. — Amen Thompson had an uneven debut with the Houston Rockets, but the team isn’t necessarily concerned with the performance of the fourth pick.

Thompson finished with eight points, five rebounds and two assists in a 116-86 loss to the Orlando Magic on Wednesday. He went 3-of-10 from the field, including 1-of-7 from 3-point range, in 21 minutes off the bench as the Rockets lost their sixth straight season opener.

He was happy to get the game out of the way.

“It definitely feels good, something I dreamed of my whole life,” Thompson said after the game. “But regardless of how it went, it is the first game. … A lot of areas to improve on. Some good things, some bad things but (we’re) onto the next.”

The Rockets cut a 17-point first-half deficit to one point midway through the third quarter, but the Magic countered with a 24-7 run to take an 18-point lead into the fourth period. The Magic outscored the Rockets by 12 points in the final frame to coast to their largest season-opening win in franchise history.

“They were the tougher team,” Rockets head coach Ime Udoka said. “They got every 50-50 ball; 16 offensive rebounds. They finished with seven-plus shots, but they were up 15 or so for most of the game. They were the aggressor tonight.”

Thompson showed flashes of what prompted the Rockets to take him high in the draft this year. He produced his first point at the free-throw line and eventually connected on a midrange shot for his first made field goal in the NBA.

The Rockets played Thompson with both the second unit and starters. The team wanted to take advantage of his versatility and ability to play on or off the ball next to Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and others.

“He can play with a lot of different guys,” Udoka said. “He can take the burden off of Fred handling every time. (He) also plays with Jalen in a lot of different lineups, so sometimes he is on the ball and off the ball. It is a luxury for us that he can spell guys and do multiple things out there.”

Overall, though, Thompson struggled to affect the game.

The 20-year-old turned the ball over four times and looked uncomfortable in spurts on the court. He, along with the rest of the team, played with some jitters throughout the contest, which prompted Udoka to question their effort and toughness.

Despite an uneven debut, the Rockets are confident in Thompson and his abilities. They believe in him and know his performance will help prepare him for the future.

“(He is) a hell of a player,” VanVleet said. “The sky is the limit for him. First game jitters; his first NBA game. He is still very, very young in this league. He’ll find his way. A little jittery, which is perfectly normal. I have no doubts about him or his game going forward. He is going to be a special player in this league.”

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