It seemed like everything was happening for Rockets rookie wingman Amen Thompson at warped speed last season.
But this season has been completely different. The game has slowed down for Thompson and in the process, he is rounding into the player the Rockets knew he would be when they drafted him fourth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft out of the G-League.
Thompson’s unique athletic ability has been a huge plus off the bench for the young Rockets this season.
“I’m just more confident. I know what to do a little bit more,” Thompson said in a recent conversation with the Defender. “I’m developing all aspects of my game. It takes time and I feel great.”
This has translated into the 6-foot-7 wing player becoming one of the best defenders in the league on a top-five defensive team. Thompson’s wingspan and quickness have made him a versatile defender who can clamp down on guards and small forwards across the NBA.
There were signs that the star Thompson could develop into his rookie season. But now it’s clear.
As the sixth man, he is clearly much improved and one of the Rockets’ key players this season.
“The sky is the limit. He can be as good as he wants to be. You can see the potential,” Rockets veteran point guard Fred VanVleet said to the Defender. “He is still doing this with bench minutes, coming off the bench. He is one of the best defenders in the league and he is one of the best transition players already, can pass, can score, can guard and he is adding a jumper, so the sky is the limit for him.”
While Thompson has always been a natural defender, doing it at the NBA level was a huge challenge initially. He had to get used to the speed of the game and the offensive abilities of many of his counterparts in the league.
Now that he has, it’s not unusual to see Thompson come off the bench and take on the toughest defensive assignment on the floor whether it’s Steph Curry, Kevin Durant or Jalen Brunson.
“I’ve always considered myself a good defender, but I had to start to lock in all the time on defense,” he said.
Thompson spent the offseason developing his game on both ends of the floor. Thompson spent the offseason primarily in Houston working with trainers, coaches and teammates.
The result has been a much-improved player. Thompson has gone from averaging 22.4 minutes, 9.5 points and 6.6 rebounds as a rookie to 26.9 minutes. His numbers have improved across the board, averaging 11.9 points, 7.1 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting nearly 56% from the field.
He also had a couple of impressive scoring games in December, scoring 22 points against the Clippers and 20 points against the Heat on Dec. 29. Thompson also found himself in the middle of a skirmish in the Miami game, where he and Tyler Herro got tangled up, and Herro ended up being thrown to the floor. Thompson received a two-game suspension for his part in the bench-clearing brawl.
VanVleet, who quickly took Thompson under his wing last season, has been impressed with his progress from his rookie year to now.
“He is just continuing to get better. He works his butt off every day,” VanVleet said. “The game is slowing down for him, you can tell.
“He is a year older, stronger and faster. He is working on his jumper every day and you can just see the growth coming. He is going to be special… he’s already special, but he has a lot more left to get better, too.”
What’s most interesting about Thompson is trying to define a position. He came in as the expected point guard of the future for the Rockets, but the versatility in his game and his defensive ability has made defining Thompson nearly impossible.
Guards aren’t strong enough to keep up with him and forwards can’t keep up with him, which has allowed the Rockets to make Thompson a lob target around the basket.
“He is one of the most special athletes I’ve ever been around,” VanVleet said. “Anytime he gets down there underneath the rim in that dunkers’ spot, you can throw him lobs, he can finish with both hands and use his body because he is strong. He can offensive rebound, a quick second jump. He’s a special athlete.”
Thomspon is enjoying the success and embracing his role as a versatile player.
“I feel like my role is to be able to do anything. I’m positionless I guess,” he said. “I’m running point, setting screens, I’m in corners. I do everything.”
