Tag: Ben Sullivan

Rockets assistant Ben Sullivan guides Amen Thompson’s rookie growth

“Amen [Thompson] is such a great person,” Ben Sullivan says. “He has a tremendous amount of maturity for a young person coming into this league.”

It has been an up-and-down year for Rockets rookie Amen Thompson. Over the first two months of the regular season, the 6-foot-7 guard had to learn from the sidelines while dealing with injuries and illness. He missed 19 of Houston’s first 24 games.

As a competitor, it can be challenging not to be out there competing with your teammates, especially when you were selected with the No. 4 pick in the 2023 NBA draft.

Thompson’s family has frequently come to Houston this season. After all, they’ve also needed to visit his twin brother and best friend, Ausar — selected one pick after Amen — during Ausar’s rookie season with the Detroit Pistons. Even for a 21-year-old basketball phenom, that upheaval can make life complicated.

That is why it was vital for Thompson to get back on the court while providing that spark needed for Houston’s second unit, which he often shares with fellow rookie Cam Whitmore.

One individual who has been there for Thompson every step of the way — first, by pushing him to the limit during rehabilitation with conditioning drills, and now by finding different ways to make him more effective on the court — is assistant coach Ben Sullivan.

“I know you are tired, but if you want to get back on the court, you have to push through it,” Sullivan’s voice recently bellowed out to Thompson, who was fighting the last symptoms of an upper respiratory infection at the time. “You can get the rest you need when we are done, but if you rest now, you are quitting on yourself.”

Thompson took the instructions without any pushback, knowing Sullivan has his best interests at heart. They’ve developed trust in each other since starting a working relationship at the NBA’s 2023 summer league in Las Vegas, where Sullivan led Houston to the title game despite losing Thompson to an ankle sprain in the opener.

The two converse about everything and are working tirelessly, on and off the court, as Thompson develops into an explosive playmaker and reliable backup for starter Fred VanVleet.

“I learn a lot from Ben,” Thompson said recently following a rigorous post-practice session with Sullivan. “Ben is my twin. He is teaching me a lot with my shot, but other aspects, too. Getting to the rim, using my body, and using my strength more than I am doing.”

On Jan. 21, Thompson received his first start versus Boston when head coach Ime Udoka decided to rest VanVleet in the second game of a back-to-back. Sullivan ensured Thompson was prepared to run the starting unit. Although Houston lost the game, Thompson finished with a career-high in points (15) and rebounds (14).

Thompson eclipsed that point total last Friday by scoring a career-high 19 in a blowout win against the Toronto Raptors.

“Amen is such a great person,” Sullivan told Rockets Wire. “He has a tremendous amount of maturity for a young person coming into this league. He has a great work ethic, a high care factor, and is very competitive. When you combine all of those things together, it is like a great recipe for success when you are starting out. I am lucky and blessed to be working with him, and that is the starting point.”

Player development is a skill Sullivan learned early on in his days with the San Antonio Spurs, where he worked under an all-time great coach, Gregg Popovich. Sullivan gives much of the credit for his ability to teach players to current Oklahoma City assistant coach Chip Engelland, who spent 16 seasons on that staff with the Spurs.

“I was fortunate enough to shadow and learn from some amazing coaches,” Sullivan told Rockets Wire in an exclusive conversation. “I learned from Chip and Chad Forcier (Utah assistant) on a day-to-day basis on how you handle things. A lot of times with these players, especially young guys, they come in, and they are 19 and 20 years old, and they have so much room to grow.”

Udoka was a part of that staff and noticed the work ethic and commitment to his job. It was a friendship that paid off; he has been a part of Udoka’s staff in Boston and now Houston.

“Ben has worked with some guys over the years like Giannis (Antetokounmpo, in Milwaukee) and different guys who have wanted to improve their shooting,” Udoka said regarding the importance of having Sullivan work to improve Thompson’s shot.

“You can see that bond growing between them, and that is what we want our assistants to do,” Udoka added. “I hired certain guys for the relationship aspect. You have some specific bonds with guys, and they have hit it off really well. It will be good for him (Thompson), going forward in the future. The shooting piece was the initial, but they have found their own side relationship, which has been good.”

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Ben Sullivan: Talent ‘jumps off the page’ for Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore

Ben Sullivan on #Rockets rookie Cam Whitmore (via @KellyIko): “The raw talent jumps off the page. His physical gifts, speed, athleticism, explosiveness. … I really like it.”

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With dazzling displays on both offense and defense, newly drafted rookie Cam Whitmore (No. 20 in the first round) made quite an impression for the Rockets at the NBA’s 2023 summer league.

Across six games, Houston’s athletic 6-foot-7 forward averaged 19.3 points (44.7% FG), 5.2 rebounds, and 2.5 steals in 31 minutes, and the Rockets went 5-1 en route to a runner-up finish in Las Vegas. That led to Whitmore earning MVP honors days after his 19th birthday.

The man who orchestrated Whitmore’s usage was summer league head coach Ben Sullivan, who will be the lead assistant to Ime Udoka once training camps for the 2023-24 season begin in October.

In a new interview with Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Sullivan shared this regarding Whitmore’s encouraging summer-league play:

The raw talent jumps off the page. Like his physical gifts, speed, athleticism, explosiveness. He’s finishing around the rim, able to cut and score, shooting 3s and pull-ups and getting to the basket. He displayed a lot of different stuff. And I really, I really like it.

And he’s just so young, like he’s 19 years old. He’s going to have to grow in all areas of his game — his defense, his offense, understanding of concepts, what we’re trying to execute as a team, spacing. There’s a list that goes on and on for any young player that comes into the league.

With veterans Dillon Brooks and Jae’Sean Tate, second-year prospects Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason, and the potential move of Kevin Porter Jr. due to Fred VanVleet taking Porter’s previous spot as starting point guard, the forward spots are crowded in Houston. Thus, it isn’t clear if Whitmore will have an immediate role when the 2023-24 regular season opens in October.

But even if Whitmore’s time for NBA shine isn’t this October, he’s already turned enough heads that it shouldn’t be too far away.

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Podcast: Rockets’ summer league recap and Jalen Green’s big offseason

Today’s @TheLagerLine podcast explores key summer-league takeaways for the #Rockets and why 2023 is a crucial offseason for Jabari Smith Jr. and Jalen Green.

Sunday’s episode of “The Lager Line” (sponsored by Clutch City Lager of Karbach Brewing) breaks down all of the key Houston Rockets takeaways from a 5-1 stint at the NBA’s 2023 summer league.

Jabari Smith Jr. was brilliant in two games, sparking hope he may be ready for a breakout season in Year 2. Then, led by an MVP performance from rookie Cam Whitmore, Houston’s supporting cast was much better than expected over the final four games. That helped the Rockets avoid any downturn after Smith, Tari Eason and Amen Thompson were shut down.

With that in mind, Sunday’s show explores the various reasons behind the performance, headlined by strong coaching from Ben Sullivan and other members of Ime Udoka’s new-look staff with the 2023-24 Rockets.

The episode closes with a look at a pivotal offseason for third-year guard Jalen Green, who is joining the U.S. Select Team to participate in training camp for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Tune in!

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Updated 2023-2024 Houston Rockets roster, salaries after free agency

After an extremely busy 2023 free agency, here’s an updated look at the #Rockets roster and salaries entering the 2023-24 NBA season.

When we last saw the Houston Rockets play a regular-season game in April, they were one of the NBA’s youngest teams and directed by a relatively unproven head coach in Stephen Silas.

The situation has changed significantly in the months since. Ime Udoka replaced Silas as head coach and brought in his own staff of assistants, while general manager Rafael Stone spent more than $60 million in 2023 free agency to sign veteran players Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks, Jeff Green and Jock Landale.

Those veterans will surround Houston’s young core of Jalen Green, Alperen Sengun, Kevin Porter Jr., Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and newly drafted 2023 rookies Amen Thompson and Cam Whitmore.

As of early August, here’s an updated look at where things stand with the Rockets’ coaching staff and roster of players entering the 2023-24 NBA season. Many of the team’s newcomers will not have their jersey numbers revealed until closer to training camp, which is scheduled to start in early October.

Height and weight information is from NBA.com, while salary details are from HoopsHype figures. Ages are as of Aug. 1, 2023.

Takeaways: MVP Cam Whitmore leads Rockets’ standouts at 2023 summer league

With 2023 summer league in the books, here’s our look back at key #Rockets takeaways, including Cam Whitmore’s MVP run and Jabari Smith Jr.’s complete domination.

In Monday’s championship, the Rockets and summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan fell one game short of accomplishing their goal of winning the NBA’s 2023 summer league. With a 99-78 loss to the unbeaten Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston finished with a 5-1 record. 

Yet, as general manager Rafael Stone and new head coach Ime Udoka watched courtside, they witnessed several positive developments over those two weeks in Las Vegas. Many may help the Rockets become more successful as they enter a self-proclaimed Phase 2 of their rebuilding process, starting with the 2023-24 season.

Rookie point guard Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) was ruled out of summer-league play after one game, and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) were ruled out after the second. But all three made a big impression on Stone and Udoka during their limited playing time.

Meanwhile, those absences provided opportunities for other players on the summer roster —  most notably, rookie forward Cam Whitmore (summer-league MVP) and second-year guard Trevor Hudgins, who remains on a two-way contract with Houston. Both Whitmore and Hudgins made major contributions as the Rockets won three of their final four games, even without three big names.

With summer league officially in the books, here’s a look back at some key statistics and takeaways from six games in Las Vegas.

(Editor’s note: Ben DuBose also contributed to this article.)

Reaction: Cam Whitmore wins MVP as summer Rockets lose finale versus Cavaliers

Houston rookie Cam Whitmore is the NBA’s summer-league MVP, but the #Rockets will settle for a runner-up finish after Monday’s loss to unbeaten Cleveland.

Less than a month ago, the Houston Rockets considered drafting Villanova forward Cam Whitmore with their No. 4 pick before having the improbable good fortune of seeing him drop to their second selection at No. 20 in the first round.

For the Rockets, it was great luck to be able to pair Whitmore — viewed by many as a top-five talent in the draft class — with fellow rookie Amen Thompson, who is also in that tier. As for Whitmore, while the 19-year-old was happy to land in Houston, he was annoyed by the unexpected draft-night slide while vowing to play with a “chip on his shoulder” as a result.

At least through the first month, it’s mission mostly accomplished.

Whitmore, who was named by the NBA as its summer-league MVP, had 14 points in 28 minutes during Monday’s championship game versus Cleveland. However, it wasn’t enough for Houston (5-1) to win in a matchup (99-78, box score) versus the unbeaten Cavaliers (6-0).

Cleveland was led by young center Isaiah Mobley, who had 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots on 12-of-20 shooting (60% FG).

On the whole, the loss certainly doesn’t offset two weeks of strong play. Most notably, Whitmore has put up strong numbers despite drawing increasingly more attention from opposing defenses.

Thompson (left ankle sprain) was shut down after Houston’s July 7 opener in Las Vegas, while second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) had their stints end two days later. Smith, for his part, was brilliant enough to earn an all-summer league second team selection despite only playing in those two games.

Yet, even after losing three big names, Whitmore and two-way players Trevor Hudgins and Darius Days helped Houston barely miss a beat on its way to a championship-game berth. Summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan, who will be Ime Udoka’s top assistant for the regular season, played a key role, as well.

Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Monday’s summer MVP announcement and the ensuing championship game.

Reaction: Cam Whitmore lifts Rockets past Jazz and into NBA’s 2023 summer-league title game

Cam Whitmore continued his electric run at the NBA’s 2023 summer league with 25 points on efficient shooting, and it led the #Rockets to Monday’s championship game.

After rookie Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) were ruled out for the rest of the NBA’s 2023 summer league, many analysts assumed the remainder of the Houston Rockets wouldn’t be as formidable.

That logic may have underestimated Houston’s supporting cast, though. Led by rookie Cam Whitmore and two-way players Darius Days and Trevor Hudgins, the summer Rockets are now 5-0 and in Monday’s championship game courtesy of Sunday’s 115-101 win (box score) over Utah (4-1) in the summer-league semifinals.

Whitmore had 25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocked shots in Sunday’s game on 9-of-17 shooting (52.9%), including 4-of-11 on 3-pointers (36.4%). That was enough to outpace a Utah team led by Micah Potter, who had 20 points and 12 rebounds but on just 8-of-22 shooting (36.4%) and 4-of-17 on 3-pointers (23.5%).

Other Houston players to score in double figures included:

  • Nate Hinton: 27 points, 5 rebounds, 5 steals; 9-of-16 shooting (56.3%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%)
  • Jermaine Samuels Jr.: 13 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists; 5-of-14 shooting (35.7%), 1-of-5 on 3-pointers (20.0%)
  • Trevor Hudgins: 16 points, 9 assists, 5 rebounds; 6-of-13 shooting (46.2%), 4-of-9 on 3-pointers (44.4%)
  • Fletcher Magee: 21 points, 5 rebounds; 4-of-7 shooting (57.1%), 3-of-4 on 3-pointers (75.0%), 10-of-10 on free throws

Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Sunday’s game. In Monday’s final, the Rockets will meet the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are also a perfect 5-0 in summer-league play to date.

2023 summer-league playoffs, Rockets vs. Jazz: Lineups, how to watch, TV, stream

In Sunday’s semifinal, talented rookie Cam Whitmore has an opportunity to lead the #Rockets to Monday’s NBA summer-league championship game.

For the first time, the Rockets are in the NBA’s abbreviated postseason at its annual summer league in Las Vegas. Based on a 4-0 start, Houston is one of four teams advancing to the playoffs, which consist of Sunday’s semifinals and Monday’s championship.

To get to Monday’s title game, summer-league head coach Ben Sullivan (lead assistant to Ime Udoka, in the regular season) needs to guide his young squad past a Utah Jazz group that has found similar success in Las Vegas — as shown by a matching 4-0 record.

The Rockets will again be short-handed, with rookie guard Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) sidelined. But in their absence, rookie prospect Cam Whitmore and two-way players Trevor Hudgins and Darius Days have picked up the slack and then some.

Based on lineups a few days ago, it looked like this matchup could become a star-studded rookie showdown between Whitmore and Utah’s Keyonte George, who was drafted a few picks prior to Whitmore at No. 16 overall in the 2023 first round. George has also excelled in Las Vegas as part of a strong start to his young career.

However, like Thompson, George is dealing with an ankle sprain and is now out for the remainder of summer league. That could present a clear path for Houston to advance to the title game.

Takeaways: Cam Whitmore leads Rockets to NBA’s 2023 summer-league playoffs

Thursday was the best game yet for rookie Cam Whitmore (26 points, 8 steals), who helped the summer #Rockets (4-0) stay unbeaten while clinching one of the NBA’s four playoff berths.

Once rookie Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) were declared out for the rest of the NBA’s 2023 summer league, many analysts assumed the remainder of the Houston Rockets wouldn’t be as formidable.

That assumption, however, hasn’t translated to reality in Las Vegas. Led by the likes of rookie Cam Whitmore and two-way players Darius Days and Trevor Hudgins, the summer Rockets have maintained a high standard and improved to 4-0 with Thursday’s 118-101 win (box score) over the Golden State Warriors (0-4).

With that victory, Houston clinched one of only four spots in the 2023 summer-league playoffs, which will take place with Sunday’s semifinals and Monday’s championship game.

Whitmore was outstanding with 26 points on 11-of-19 shooting (57.9%) and 3-of-8 from 3-point range (37.5%), and he had a handful of emphatic transition dunks coming after his game-high 8 steals. Hudgins was strong again, as well, with 20 points and a game-high 11 assists, and he hit 5-of-13 from 3-point range (38.5%).

Other Houston players who scored in double-figures in Thursday’s win included Matthew Mayer (15 points, 6 rebounds, 3-of-7 on 3-pointers); Jermaine Samuels Jr. (18 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 7-of-12 shooting); Darius Days (16 points, 7 rebounds, 5-of-10 on 3-pointers); and Nate Hinton (12 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists).

Kendric Davis led the summer Warriors with 18 points and 5 assists on 7-of-11 shooting (63.6%), but that wasn’t nearly enough against a feisty Houston squad led by head coach Ben Sullivan.

Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Thursday’s game. Houston returns to action Sunday afternoon in the summer-league playoffs, with a game time and opponent still to be determined.

Takeaways: Summer Rockets stay unbeaten as Trevor Hudgins steps up versus Thunder

Led by an efficient 26 points and 7 assists from Trevor Hudgins, Ben Sullivan’s summer #Rockets remain unbeaten (3-0) after routing Oklahoma City. Cam Whitmore had 16 points and 8 rebounds.

With rookie Amen Thompson (left ankle sprain) and second-year forwards Jabari Smith Jr. and Tari Eason (rest) sitting out the remainder of the NBA’s 2023 summer league, the expectation entering the final three games for the Houston Rockets was for rookie forward Cam Whitmore to receive a more featured role.

As it turned out, second-year guard Trevor Hudgins took on much of the playmaking burden. He came through in a big way in Tuesday’s 105-92 win (box score) over Oklahoma City. The Rockets (3-0) remain unbeaten and in contention for the 2023 summer-league playoffs (format) in Las Vegas.

Hudgins, who signed with Houston in the 2022 offseason as an undrafted free agent out of Northwest Missouri State, showed why he remains on a two-way NBA contract by scoring a game-high 26 points on efficient 10-of-20 shooting (50%), including five 3-pointers. He also ran the offense well; he finished with 7 assists to one turnover.

Whitmore had 16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals, making 6-of-14 shots (42.9%) but just 1-of-8 on 3-pointers (12.5%). Rookie forward Matthew Mayer added 19 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for summer head coach Ben Sullivan (Ime Udoka’s top assistant) on 6-of-11 shooting (54.5%) and 3-of-8 on 3-pointers (37.5%).

Rookie wing Keyontae Johnson led the Thunder (1-1) in Tuesday’s loss with 19 points on 9-of-14 shooting (64.3%), while big man KJ Williams had 19 points (61.5% FG) and 13 rebounds.

Read on for highlights, postgame interviews with players and coaches, and reaction by fans and media members to Tuesday’s game. Houston returns to action Thursday versus Golden State, with tipoff at 6 p.m. Central and television coverage on ESPN.