Amen Thompson, a highly-touted rookie guard for the Houston Rockets, is taking on the responsibility of running the point. He’s snatching this chance after a few months of unanticipated twists and turns this year. At only 22, Thompson has already proven just how wildly talented and versatile he is. He played a major role when the team was most vulnerable, missing star players to injury. The Rockets’ decision to place their trust in him comes after Fred VanVleet’s knee injury, which has opened the door for Thompson to step up.
The Rockets drafted Amen Thompson with the 4 th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. As a pro-style swingman, his athleticism and defense really pop, as he developed through Overtime Elite. His path to this important position started with a firm grounding in the game of basketball itself. His older brother, Troy Thompson Jr., was instrumental in building that foundation. Troy noted that both Amen and his twin brother, Ausar, played point guard during their youth basketball days in Oakland, California. He knew from day one that Amen had the ability and talent to be successful there.
During the 2022-2023 season, Amen Thompson demonstrated impressive statistics, becoming one of only four players with at least ten games played to average over 15 points, nine rebounds, and five assists per game from January until the season’s conclusion. This accomplishment is a testament to how complete of a player he is and his capability to make an enormous impact on both sides of the ground.
At first, the Rockets used Thompson as the small forward they tried him as during his first two seasons in the NBA. However, with VanVleet’s recent injury and a subsequent surgery on September 25 that raised doubts about Thompson’s participation this season, he has now taken on the responsibilities of a point guard. While there were questions about his recovery ahead of the draft, Thompson can’t wait to welcome and face the challenges that this new role will present.
I enjoy watching those kind of guys, Thompson said, talking of the great floor generals such as Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook. He’s drawn direct inspiration from their free-scoring play, learning to punish opposition with jokey asides attacks whenever the pressure has dropped. This preparation is evident in his performances, particularly in high-stakes situations where he has had to step up as a leader.
Thompson’s dedication to the defensive end is refreshing as well. In their most recent matchup against Ja Morant, he had one of those marquee defensive performances. This performance only continued to cement his place as the Rockets’ most important player. He now finds himself in an elite group of NBA players going back to the 1983-84 season. That has made him, remarkably, only the third player ever to accomplish this impressive feat of points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks in his first 146 games.
As Thompson adapts to his new role, he’s still keeping an eye on the prize down the road. He wants to be known for making the NBA All-Defensive Team and is determined to attack workshops and adversity with full force. In pursuit of Broadway, his ambition, drive and talent are on full display as he transitions through this pivotal stage of his professional journey.
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