At just 20 years old and coming from a relatively unproven Overtime Elite league, Amen Thompson’s outlook is unclear when it comes to his rookie production for the 2023-24 Houston Rockets.
But for the No. 4 overall draft pick from the NBA’s 2023 first round, one aspect that isn’t in question is his athleticism. That should serve Thompson well as Houston’s young point guard looks to attack the paint on offense and potentially kick the ball to open perimeter shooters, and it could also prove beneficial on defense.
Buy Rockets TicketsIn a newly published NBA survey, ESPN polled 15 scouts, coaches, and executives from across the NBA regarding hot-button topics.
Thompson, who initially slides in as Houston’s backup behind Fred VanVleet, picked up three of 15 votes on the question of which rookie — excluding Victor Wembanyama — will be the best player in five years. (Portland’s Scoot Henderson led the way with 11 votes.)
“You put [Amen Thompson] on an NBA floor today, and he might be the best athlete,” an Eastern Conference scout told ESPN. “Great passing and playing in transition. He rebounds, he defends.”
ESPN’s full survey can be read here. As for Thompson and the Rockets, the endorsement certainly can’t hurt as Houston looks to fill a presumed backcourt absence after Kevin Porter Jr.’s recent arrest.
New ESPN story: After a busy offseason, we surveyed 15 coaches, scouts & execs on a variety of topics, including;
– How the Harden and Lillard sagas will play out
– the best (non-Victor) rookie
– Who will be in the Finals (and win it)?
And much more: https://t.co/PAdkFHWpi8
— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) September 26, 2023
