Tag: Amen Thompson

Takeaways: Magic stifle Rockets as Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, Jabari Smith Jr. struggle in opener

It was a rough opening night for Jalen Green, Amen Thompson, and Jabari Smith Jr. as Orlando’s defense suffocated the #Rockets en route to a 116-86 win.

In Wednesday night’s opener from Orlando, the Rockets began their 2023-24 campaign with a disheartening 116-86 loss (box score) to the Magic. It was Houston’s first regular-season game under Ime Udoka, who replaced Stephen Silas as head coach this offseason.

Houston trailed by as many as 17 points in the first half before cutting the margin to a single point early in the third quarter. Then, led by Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony, Orlando broke the game open a second time and never looked back in what became a rout.

Anthony led the Magic in 24 reserve minutes with 20 points and 8 rebounds on 8-of-12 shooting (66.7%). Wagner added 17 points in 27 minutes while making 3-of-7 from 3-point range (42.9%).

Playing against Orlando’s long, athletic and physical defense made it a rough night for many younger Rockets. The poor showings included:

  • Jalen Green: 10 points, 1 rebound, 0 assists in 30 minutes; 2-of-10 shooting (20%)
  • Jabari Smith Jr.: 7 points, 5 rebounds, 6 fouls in 26 minutes; 3-of-9 shooting (33.3%), 0-of-4 on 3-pointers
  • Amen Thompson: 8 points, 5 rebounds, 4 turnovers, 2 assists in 21 minutes; 3-of-10 (30%), 1-of-7 on 3-pointers (14.3%)

Orlando outrebounded Houston by a commanding 63-37 margin.

Dillon Brooks was a standout in his first game with the Rockets, posting 14 points and 4 rebounds in 26 minutes while making 4-of-6 from 3-point range (66.7%). Veteran floor general Fred VanVleet had 14 points and 5 assists while also connecting on 4-of-6 from deep, though he missed six of his seven shots inside the arc.

Third-year center Alperen Sengun had 14 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists, shooting 6-of-11 from the field (54.5%). However, like many of his teammates, he struggled to score after a 6-of-6 start.

Here are highlights and interviews from Wednesday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Next up for Houston is a visit to San Antonio on Friday night, with tipoff at 7 p.m. Central.

Ime Udoka says Rockets’ rookies will have to earn more minutes

Ime Udoka addresses potential playing time for Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore: “There is not a set amount of time, and everyone is competing for minutes.”

ORLANDO — As the Houston Rockets took on the Magic in each team’s first game of its 2023-24 regular season, first-year head coach Ime Udoka put in a game plan for rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore that will be more about the flow of the game, rather than a standard for minutes.

“I think we go in with somewhat of a plan rotation-wise and then figure out the game from there based on how they are playing,” Udoka said. “Different situations math up wise, but we also like certain combinations, and we have seen that from Amen and Cam.”

“So, we will go with this game plan, and how they react to everything is how we will react to them playing more,” Udoka said. “But there is not a set amount of time, and everyone is competing for minutes. It is not like we are handing over minutes based on them being rookies.”

Thompson, who will mainly be used as a backup to veteran point guard Fred VanVleet, averaged over 20 minutes a game in the preseason. Whitmore averaged 17.8 minutes, but his playing time fluctuated across those five games. His minutes could increase with second-year forward Tari Eason sidelined by a lower leg injury.

Coach Udoka also realizes this is the first real NBA action for his two rookies. As such, he does not want to put any undue pressure on them, even when they struggle.

“Some of these guys are in their first real game, yet alone; they are young guys,” Udoka responded when asked how he would adjust to some of the rookie mistakes. “You are not going to judge a guy off a half of missed shots or turnovers. Obviously, we have to coach them up and point those things out. I am not into yanking a guy out of the game; I would rather him play nine or 10 minutes as opposed to three guys for three minutes. They will get their chance.”

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Victor Wembanyama among 13 rookies to sign shoe deals with Nike

Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller headline a talented rookie class to sign with Nike this year.

San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama and Charlotte Hornets forward Brandon Miller are among 13 rookies to sign shoe and apparel contracts with Nike, according to Nick DePaula of Boardroom.

Wembanyama and Miller headline a talented rookie class for the Swoosh, which includes Amen Thompson (Houston), Ausar Thompson (Detroit), Anthony Black (Orlando), Bilal Coulibaly (Washington) and Cason Wallace (Oklahoma City).

They join a star-studded roster, including signature athletes LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Paul George and Sabrina Ionescu. It has been estimated that nearly 70% of players in the NBA wear Nike on the court.

The group of players signed to Nike nearly makes up half of the first round of draftees this year. Other rookies, such as Scoot Henderson (PUMA), Jarace Walker (Under Armour), Jett Howard (Jordan) and Gradey Dick (Adidas), have also inked with apparel companies.

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Post-preseason NBA rookie power rankings: Wemby is an obvious No. 1, but it gets wild after that

It’s really hard to evaluate rookies this early in their professional careers! 

Let’s just get something out of the way: It’s really hard to evaluate rookies this early in their professional careers!

Players are still trying to find their role in the league and adjusting to the experience of playing against the toughest competition in the world. Coaches are still hoping to figure out the best to utilize these guys, many of whom are still very raw.

But we still wanted to have a baseline evaluation of the rookies we have seen so far, even if it might look a bit strange. Before you get too upset, though, let’s offer a quick reminder. Per ESPN’s Kevin Pelton, the NBA’s Rookie of the Year almost always goes to the first-year player who had the highest total combination of points, rebounds and assists per game.

During the preseason, that player was (obviously) Victor Wembanyama.

Our list doesn’t follow that model, but it may look a bit spicy due to some notable players being excluded. It is worth noting, though, that six of the 10 players we highlighted ranked in the top 10 among rookies in that very basic points/rebounds/assists formula.

Average it out to productivity per 36 minutes and then filter out everyone except for the 30 players who logged the most minutes and you will find eight of the following players.

Our rankings do, however, give more weight to scoring efficiency and turnovers. We also accounted for defensive metrics like blocks, steals and fouls. These are all important measures of impact on a basketball court.

You may be surprised to not find players like Miller or Henderson but both were still figuring out the kinks. That doesn’t mean they won’t get on here in the regular season once they find their rhythm. This is not predictive of their future success but rather an assessment of where they are at this moment.

But during preseason, for example, Henderson led all rookies in turnovers and personal fouls committed. Miller, meanwhile, had an effective field-goal percentage of below 40.0 percent (the league average was at 54.5 percent last season). It’s worth acknowledging, though, that they do have tougher roles on their teams than some of their competition.

Otherwise, here is how we would rank the upcoming rookies based on their play during the preseason:

Rockets reaction: Amen Thompson dazzles, Jalen Green returns healthy to finish 4-1 preseason

In Friday’s #Rockets win, Jalen Green made a healthy return with 20 points in 28 minutes, and Fred VanVleet and Amen Thompson had their most efficient games yet.

HOUSTON — In Friday’s prime-time matchup from Toyota Center, the Rockets closed their 2023-24 preseason with a 110-104 victory (box score) over visiting Miami. Houston finished its exhibition slate 4-1 while the Heat concluded 2-3.

Houston’s starting backcourt of Jalen Green and Fred VanVleet led the way with 20 points apiece on Friday. R.J. Hampton led the Heat with an efficient 17 points and 5 assists.

Green, who missed Houston’s previous two games with a toenail issue, shot 6-of-15 from the field (40.0%) and 3-of-7 on 3-pointers (42.9%). He also grabbed 4 rebounds over his 28 minutes. VanVleet was more efficient — scoring his 20 on 7-of-10 shooting (70.0%) and 3-of-4 from 3-point range (75.5%) — and he dished a game-high 6 assists while committing one turnover in 29 minutes.

Other Houston players to score in double-figures included:

  • Amen Thompson: 19 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals in 25 minutes; 6-of-9 shooting (66.7%), 7-of-9 on free throws (77.8%)
  • Alperen Sengun: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists in 27 minutes; 6-of-16 shooting (37.5%), 4-of-6 on free throws (66.7%)

Sengun’s performance was perhaps more impressive when adjusting for the context that he started versus Miami’s Bam Adebayo, long known as one of the league’s top defenders among big men.

Here are highlights and interviews from Friday, along with reaction by NBA media members and fans. Next up for Houston is the opening of its 2023-24 regular season on Wednesday night in Orlando.

Podcast: Reaction to Houston’s hot start in 2023-24 preseason

Can Cam Whitmore force his way into Ime Udoka’s rotation? Today’s @TheLagerLine explores that and other key takeaways from Houston’s 2-0 start to the preseason.

Our latest “The Lager Line” podcast reacts to Houston’s 2-0 start to the 2023-24 preseason, in which the Rockets have compiled top-five metrics in overall net rating, offensive rating and defensive rating.

Led by hosts Ben DuBose and Paulo Alves, topics include the team’s improved defensive principles under Ime Udoka; why Jabari Smith Jr. and Amen Thompson are among the early standouts; and whether Cam Whitmore can force his way into the regular-season rotation.

The show also explores two upcoming exhibition games in San Antonio, which should feature a star-studded matchup between Smith and Victor Wembanyama, 2023’s No. 1 draft pick. Wembanyama, a rookie, is off to a strong preseason start with the Spurs.

Today’s podcast, which is sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing, can be listened to below in its entirety. Each episode of the show is also made available via flagship radio station SportsTalk 790 and all major podcast distributors under “The Lager Line.”

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Takeaways: Rockets blast Pelicans as Jabari Smith Jr. leads preseason rout

#Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. was dominant with 22 points and 9 rebounds on elite efficiency as Houston routed the Pelicans in Thursday’s exhibition.

Led by 22 points on strong efficiency from Jabari Smith Jr., the Rockets continued their 2023-24 NBA preseason in Birmingham, Alabama, with Thursday’s 120-87 blowout (box score) of the New Orleans Pelicans. Houston is 2-0 in exhibition play.

It was a strong defensive effort by Ime Udoka’s new-look Rockets versus a New Orleans team (0-2) featuring marquee starters Zion Williamson, Brandon Ingram and C.J. McCollum.

In 24 minutes, Smith finished with a game-high 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting (69.2%), including 4-of-5 on 3-pointers (80.0%). Smith also grabbed 9 rebounds and dished 2 assists.

Other Houston players to score in double-figures included:

  • Amen Thompson: 12 points, 4 assists in 21 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 1-of-3 on 3-pointers (33.3%), 3-of-4 on free throws (75%)
  • Jalen Green: 12 points, 2 assists in 25 minutes; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 0-of-2 on 3-pointers, 4-of-4 on free throws
  • Alperen Sengun: 12 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 4 steals in 22 minutes; 5-of-12 shooting (41.7%), 0-of-4 on 3-pointers, 2-of-2 on free throws

McCollum led the Pelicans with 17 points in 23 minutes, making 6-of-13 shots (46.2%) and 4-of-8 on 3-pointers (50.0%).

Here are highlights and interviews from Thursday, along with reaction by media members and fans. Houston will continue its exhibition slate Monday in San Antonio with the first of two straight games versus top rookie Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs.

NBA GM survey: After 2023 offseason, Rockets viewed more favorably by rival execs

The #Rockets are viewed much more favorably by rival executives in this year’s NBA GM survey, with new head coach Ime Udoka and rookie Cam Whitmore leading their categories.

Each year, NBA general managers respond to 50 questions from NBA.com about the best teams, players, coaches, and offseason moves. Respondents cannot vote for their own team or personnel.

After a busy 2023 offseason, which included hiring Ime Udoka as head coach, drafting Amen Thompson at No. 4 overall in the first round, and signing veteran free agents such as Fred VanVleet, the Houston Rockets received higher marks than previous years.

Here’s a look at the 2023-24 version of the annual GM survey, with information pulled below on questions where the Rockets or a Houston player received votes. Percentages are based on the pool of respondents to that particular question, rather than all 30 GMs.

Because respondents cannot vote for their own team, none of the Houston votes came from Rockets general manager Rafael Stone.

Rockets’ Ime Udoka praises Amen Thompson early in training camp

Amen Thompson drew plenty of praise throughout the offseason with the Rockets, and the fourth pick is emerging as a standout in camp.

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.”

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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Ime Udoka: Rockets rookie Amen Thompson is standing out at training camp

Ime Udoka on #Rockets training camp: “The guy who stood out to a lot of people was Amen [Thompson]. His pace is real, his size and athleticism, and he has that burst. He’s been great.”

By nearly all accounts, this week’s training camp at McNeese State University’s Legacy Center in Lake Charles, Louisiana, was a successful one for the Houston Rockets.

But as head coach Ime Udoka sees it, there’s one potential standout to date. It’s the supremely talented guard Houston drafted at No. 4 in the 2023 first round.

Here’s what Udoka said about Amen Thompson on Friday (via Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle):

The guy who stood out to a lot of people was Amen. His pace is real, his size and athleticism, and he has that burst. He really ignites the fast break on his own. He’s been great.

He’s just scratching the surface. He’s getting up to speed. He’s learning on the fly. He already has some natural ability and instincts that you can’t teach, and the IQ and the passing ability that stands out immediately. But he’ll learn as he goes. He’s done a great job.

Here’s a look back at interviews from Udoka and Thompson on Friday, along with highlights from throughout the week. Houston will open its preseason slate on Tuesday at home versus Indiana.