One year ago, the 2022 NBA draft board changed dramatically on the final day, and it led to the Houston Rockets (picking at No. 3) selecting Jabari Smith Jr. instead of Paolo Banchero.
There was no such drama in 2023. This time, the Rockets — at No. 4 in the first round — selected who most analysts expected them to get going into the draft: 20-year-old Amen Thompson.
A 6-foot-7 point guard prospect, Thompson averaged 16.3 points (56.8% FG, 23.3% on 3-pointers), 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, 2.4 steals and 28.2 minutes last season in the Overtime Elite professional basketball league. While his shot needs work, he’s an elite athlete who already possesses strong playmaking and defensive versatility.
Should the shot improve, Thompson could become a star-level lead guard, which the rebuilding Rockets desperately need. That’s a big part of the case for his upside, which analysts such as ESPN’s Jonathan Givony have described as second-highest in the 2023 draft class (trailing only Victor Wembanyama, the No. 1 pick).
With that upside in mind, the Thompson pick was well received by most NBA analysts and fans across social media, as shown in these real-time reactions. Stay tuned to Rockets Wire for further updates throughout Thursday’s draft night, as Thompson and Rockets general manager Rafael Stone will each take media questions.
Amen Thompson to Rockets reaction
The Houston Rockets are drafting Amen Thompson at No. 4, sources tell @TheAthletic.
— Kelly Iko (@KellyIko) June 23, 2023
To say the least, the #Rockets adored Amen Thompson through this process. Some uncomfortable hours today, but ultimately, they got their (non-Wemby) guy. It was always him.
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) June 23, 2023
Amen to Houston gets an A++
— Mike Zavagno (@MZavagno11) June 23, 2023
4. HOU – amen thompson: A
another no-brainer selection! hopefully udoka gives him serious touches this year, green in the same backcourt means unlimited potential
— ethan (@okcfanethan) June 23, 2023
Sources: Houston is picking Amen Thompson at No. 4. https://t.co/Z8rZKX2Rl3
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 23, 2023
The #Rockets have been enamored with Amen Thompson from the beginning of this process and they got their guy. They love his athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor. Welcome to Houston, Amen.
— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) June 23, 2023
The #Rockets top 4 picks during their rebuild:
2021 — Jalen Green
2022 — Jabari Smith Jr.
2023 — Amen ThompsonThe future is bright in Houston. pic.twitter.com/jdoQu0D2pJ
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) June 23, 2023
We’ve known this pick for weeks, but I love Amen Thompson as an upside play next to Jalen Green in the backcourt.
Best athlete in this draft, great physical tools for the defensive end, and can legitimately be an offensive engine for the Rockets long-term. https://t.co/Ach54CJaDS
— Salman Ali (@SalmanAliNBA) June 23, 2023
Love the value at 4 and fit with Amen and Houston, where he can play to his strengths as a passer/playmaker next to Green while adding needed perimeter defense
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) June 23, 2023
AMEN THOMPSON IS A ROCKET. pic.twitter.com/u5I83hGmiG
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 23, 2023
🙏🏾AMEN
— Tari Eason (@TAR13ASON) June 23, 2023
Amen Thompson is the Houston Rockets pick at #4.
Despite a significant shooting weakness that will need to improve, this is a point guard prospect with tremendous to elite potential in just about every other area of the game. There's a lot to be excited about with this pick. pic.twitter.com/Rb26fx8bAh
— ClutchFans (@clutchfans) June 23, 2023
The #Rockets were extremely impressed with Amen Thompson throughout the pre-draft process.
Now he's headed to Houston. https://t.co/lqg8vQQIQB
— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) June 23, 2023
And all of Houston says…Amen🙏🏼
Thousands of @HoustonRockets fans react at the draft party as the franchise selects Amen Thompson at number four overall. pic.twitter.com/ygHM9nrb27
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) June 23, 2023
