Amen Thompson faced significant uncertainty entering the 2023 NBA Draft, with questions about his readiness and ability to lead on the court without a consistent jump shot. Coming from Overtime Elite, an organization that had yet to produce an NBA player, Thompson and his twin brother Ausar were under close scrutiny. Despite this, Thompson has transformed his game to become a versatile floor general for the Houston Rockets, establishing himself as one of the league’s premier defenders by his second season.
Recognition for Thompson’s Exceptional Athleticism
Austin Rivers, a former Rockets player and current podcast host, expressed his admiration for Thompson’s rare athletic talents during an episode of the Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast. Rivers emphasized Thompson’s unique quickness, describing it as the kind of jump that stands out because of its explosiveness and efficiency. He illustrated this by noting Thompson’s ability to rebound with immediate authority, swiftly rising for dunks without the usual hesitation most players require to gather themselves.
“He’s definitely a freak athlete. He has one of those rare quick-jump qualities. Obviously when a guy has a running start, guys can take off and jump. That’s not the type of stuff that impresses me.” —Austin Rivers, Podcast Host
“What impresses me is when I see him go grab a rebound -jump as high as he can to go grab one- land.” —Austin Rivers, Podcast Host
“Usually guys have to take two seconds to gather. He’ll just pop back up and dunk, as if his feet didn’t touch hardwood.” —Austin Rivers, Podcast Host
“He’s a freak athlete, man.” —Austin Rivers, Podcast Host
Thompson’s Growth as a Two-Way Player
While Rivers’ praise highlights Thompson’s athletic gifts, the Rockets guard has made significant strides beyond raw physicality. He earned a spot on the NBA’s First-Team All-Defense during his sophomore season, demonstrating his impact as a premier defender. ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has even stated that Thompson has potential to become the league’s best two-way player within the next two years, signaling the growing respect for his comprehensive skill set.
Areas for Development and Future Potential
Thompson still faces challenges, particularly with his ball handling and shooting consistency. His shooting form remains a work in progress, and the threat from outside is far from reliable, differentiating him from players like Ben Simmons, to whom he has been compared. However, Thompson’s willingness to attempt long-range shots contrasts Simmons’ hesitancy, indicating his offensive game continues to evolve.
His combination of defensive strength and playmaking ability already rivals Simmons’ prime performance, a notable comparison given Simmons was once a Defensive Player of the Year finalist. This blend of skills, anchored by Thompson’s exceptional athleticism, positions him as a candidate for All-NBA honors in the near future.
Impact on the Houston Rockets and the NBA Landscape
Over just two seasons, Amen Thompson has altered perceptions, moving from a draft underdog to a foundational star for the Houston Rockets. His athleticism and defensive impact enhance the team’s competitiveness and signal a rising star in the league’s evolving landscape. As he continues to refine his offensive game, Thompson’s growth could significantly influence the Rockets’ success and NBA dynamics moving forward.