The 2023 NBA Draft was dominated by the arrival of Victor Wembanyama, widely regarded as one of the greatest prospects in league history. Behind him, a fierce competition unfolded between Portland’s Scoot Henderson and Charlotte’s Brandon Miller, both expected to become future All-Stars. Nestled among this top tier, Amen Thompson stood out as a unique figure in the draft and has since established himself as a critical contributor for the Houston Rockets.
Selected fourth overall, Thompson’s extraordinary athleticism caught the attention of many, even though competing in the Overtime Elite league led some analysts to question his potential. Despite this, his impact on the Rockets during their 57-win campaign and securing the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference has validated the pick. Averaging 14.1 points, 8.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.7 steals per game, Thompson has proven to be an indispensable young talent on both ends of the floor.
Victor Wembanyama’s Unmatched Rookie Brilliance
Victor Wembanyama remains the undisputed star of the 2023 NBA Draft class, having secured an All-Star selection in his rookie season, a feat no other draftee has achieved so far. The Spurs’ prodigious big man leads the league in blocks per game for two straight seasons, averaging 3.7, while also serving as the primary offensive force for his team. Wembanyama’s size, skill, and versatility make him a once-in-a-generation player, eclipsing many peers at this stage in their careers.
Although Amen Thompson has contributed to playoff success and maintained relative health, both areas where Wembanyama has faced challenges, the Frenchman’s unmatched talent places him firmly ahead. Thompson’s unique abilities are remarkable, but Wembanyama’s rare combination of defensive dominance and offensive skill makes him the clear top player from this draft.
Comparing Thompson to His 2023 Draft Peers
Among the notable players vying beneath Wembanyama is Brandon Miller, who has emerged as one of the premier scorers in this class. Miller, averaging 18.3 points per game with efficient shooting splits of 42.8% from the field, 36.6% from three, and 83.7% from the free-throw line, is shaping up to be the offensive centerpiece for the Charlotte Hornets. As Charlotte aims for a playoff breakthrough, Miller’s scoring prowess offers a clear offensive advantage over Thompson.
Defensively, however, Thompson holds the upper hand. His All-Defensive First Team honor during his sophomore season highlights his elite capabilities on that end, providing Houston with a two-way threat. This dynamic balance gives Thompson a slight edge over Miller despite the latter’s offensive edge.
Scoot Henderson, Portland’s young point guard, has taken on the primary offensive role since his rookie season, showing flashes of brilliance but grappling with consistency and efficiency issues common among young guards. While Henderson’s athleticism and growing floor leadership show promise, he remains less proven than Thompson and appears unlikely to develop into the defender that Thompson already is. The Rockets’ confidence in Thompson as a foundational piece underscores that assessment.
Amen’s twin brother, Asuar Thompson, shares many traits on court, excelling in athleticism and defense much like Amen. However, Amen has earned greater offensive responsibilities, performing better defensively while handling larger roles. Their careers will invariably be compared, yet Amen has clearly taken the lead in development and overall impact.
Brandin Podziemski of the Warriors has demonstrated notable shooting and offensive versatility despite irregular playing time amid roster upheavals. Averaging 10.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists with 37.8% accuracy from beyond the arc, Podziemski projects as a solid role player but lacks the star potential Thompson has already started to display. The Rockets and Warriors met in the first-round playoff series, where Thompson clearly outshined Podziemski, highlighting their differing trajectories.
Other young defenders such as Toumani Camara, Bilal Coulibaly, Dereck Lively II, and Cason Wallace have carved out reputations as strong, complementary defenders with useful offensive skills. However, these players are largely viewed as role players, while Thompson commands significantly more offensive responsibility and exhibits higher growth potential toward stardom.
Draft Prospects Ranked Below Amen Thompson
Beyond those directly compared with Thompson, several promising talents have either been limited to smaller roles or struggled to find consistency in the league. Julian Strawther, Keyonte George, and former Rocket Cam Whitmore exemplify players whose development has faced hurdles or who have bounced around teams without solidifying their impact. This further elevates Thompson’s standing among the 2023 draft cohort.
Why Amen Thompson Stands Out as the Class’s Next Star
Despite entering the 2023 NBA Draft as the No. 4 overall pick, Amen Thompson’s rapid rise and balanced skill set make a compelling argument for him as the second-best player from this class currently and in the future. His rare combination of elite defense, impressive playmaking, and growing offensive output provides the Houston Rockets a cornerstone around which they can build a championship-contending team. Thompson’s resilience and unique talents have already made a significant impact, and expectations are high for him to continue evolving into one of the league’s premier young stars.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Amen Thompson suspended?
A. MIAMI — The NBA has decided to suspend Houston’s Amen Thompson for two games. Miami’s Terry Rozier will miss one game because of their involvement in a fight near the end of the Rockets-Heat game on Sunday night. Additionally, the league imposed $145,000 in fines on Tuesday related to the incident.
Q. Is Amen Thompson suspension?
A. Daily Draw Update: Rockets player Amen Thompson, who caused the conflict, is now suspended for two games without pay. Meanwhile, Heat player Terry Rozier faces a one-game suspension.