Amen Thompson: Rocketing Towards NBA Stardom

Amen Thompson: Rocketing Towards NBA Stardom

1. Introduction: The Rise of Amen Thompson
2. Forging His Own Path: Overtime Elite
3. From Draft Night to Houston: Amen’s NBA Journey
4. Unpacking His Game: Athleticism and Playmaking
5. The Developing Skill Set: Shooting and Off-Ball Play
6. Brotherly Bound: The Dynamic with Ausar Thompson
7. Making His Mark: Amen’s Role in Houston
8. What’s Next? The Future is Bright for Amen Thompson
9. Conclusion: Amen Thompson, A Key Piece for the Future

Amen Thompson is quickly becoming one of the most exciting young players in the NBA, known for his explosive athleticism and unique journey to the league. His path wasn’t the traditional college route; instead, he honed his skills in the Overtime Elite (OTE) program alongside his twin brother, Ausar Thompson. As someone who follows the NBA draft and the development of young talent closely, I was particularly intrigued by the Thompson twins’ decision to skip college and play professionally before the draft. This unconventional route seems to be paying off for Amen, who was drafted 4th overall by the Houston Rockets in 2023.

Watching Amen play, it’s clear he possesses a rare blend of size, speed, and court vision that makes him a fascinating prospect. His ability to drive to the rim and finish creatively, often through contact, is truly impressive.

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Forging His Own Path: Overtime Elite

Before making the leap to the NBA, Amen Thompson, along with his identical twin brother Ausar, made headlines by choosing to play in the Overtime Elite league for two seasons, bypassing their final year of high school and the traditional college basketball route. This was a significant decision, and one that drew considerable attention and discussion in the basketball world. Overtime Elite, or OTE, is a professional league based in Atlanta for players between the ages of 16 and 20, offering an alternative pathway for young athletes looking to develop their skills in a professional environment.

In the 2021-22 OTE season, Amen played for Team OTE, averaging 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game. He showcased his all-around potential and athleticism against a mix of OTE teams and other opponents. The following season, playing for the City Reapers alongside Ausar, Amen continued to impress. He was named to the All-OTE First Team in 2023, averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game. His time in OTE helped refine his guard skills, passing ability, and defensive instincts, preparing him for the next level.

From Draft Night to Houston: Amen’s NBA Journey

The 2023 NBA Draft was a historic moment for the Thompson family, as both Amen and Ausar were selected in the top 5, becoming the first brothers to achieve this feat. Amen was drafted 4th overall by the Houston Rockets, just one pick ahead of his twin brother, who went to the Detroit Pistons.

Amen made his NBA debut on October 25, 2023, recording eight points, five rebounds, and two assists. His rookie season had its ups and downs, including missing games due to a Grade 2 ankle sprain early on. He even had a brief stint in the G-League before being recalled by the Rockets. Despite some initial challenges and adjusting to playing off-ball more than he was used to in OTE, Amen finished his rookie season strong, even recording his first triple-double in the final game. He was also selected to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, becoming the fifth Rockets player in the past four seasons to receive all-rookie recognition.

Unpacking His Game: Athleticism and Playmaking

When you watch Amen Thompson on the court, his athleticism is the first thing that jumps out. He possesses elite speed, quickness, and incredible leaping ability. His first step is explosive, allowing him to blow by defenders and get to the rim almost at will. I’ve seen him make some jaw-dropping finishes in traffic, contorting his body and using his touch around the basket.

Beyond his scoring, Amen is also a talented playmaker. He has good court vision and is comfortable making passes on the move, finding teammates for open looks, especially in transition. He’s shown a developing ability to read defenses and make the right decisions when defenses collapse on his drives.

Another significant aspect of his game is his rebounding, particularly for a guard/wing player. His ability to grab boards and immediately push the pace in transition makes him a threat to grab a triple-double on any given night.

The Developing Skill Set: Shooting and Off-Ball Play

While Amen Thompson’s athleticism and playmaking are elite, his jump shot remains an area that needs significant development. His shooting percentages, both from three-point range and the free-throw line, were a clear weakness in OTE and continued to be a work in progress in the NBA. Teams often sag off him, daring him to shoot.

Adjusting to playing off-ball has also been a learning curve. In OTE, he often had the ball in his hands as the primary playmaker. In the NBA, with other talented guards on the Rockets roster, he’s had to adapt to a more complementary role at times. While his ability to cut and finish off the ball is valuable, becoming a more consistent threat without the ball in his hands, particularly as a shooter, will be crucial for unlocking his full potential and becoming an All-Star level player.

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Brotherly Bound: The Dynamic with Ausar Thompson

The story of Amen Thompson is intertwined with that of his identical twin brother, Ausar Thompson. Born just a minute apart on January 30, 2003, they share a close bond and a passion for basketball that started at a young age, training under the guidance of their father.

Their journey through Overtime Elite together, winning a championship in 2023, further strengthened their connection and prepared them for the professional ranks. They even share the unique middle name “XLNC,” pronounced “excellency,” which their older brother Troy Jr. explains is code for having a high standard in everything they do.

While they are identical twins, there are subtle differences in their playing styles and even their personalities. Amen is often described as more offensive-minded, while Ausar is known for his defensive prowess. Their brother Troy Jr. also noted that while they look the same, Ausar is more upright and serious, while Amen is more aloof and perhaps even funnier, though both have big personalities that take a while to emerge.

Making His Mark: Amen’s Role in Houston

The Houston Rockets selected Amen Thompson with the intention of making him a key piece of their rebuilding efforts. His impact has been felt on both ends of the court. As the season progressed, particularly after teammate Alperen Şengün’s injury, Amen saw increased minutes and stepped into a more prominent role in the starting lineup.

He’s proven to be a valuable asset, particularly on the defensive end, where his athleticism and length allow him to guard multiple positions and generate steals and blocks. The Rockets’ general manager, Rafael Stone, has expressed belief in Amen’s trajectory, stating that he’s already a really good NBA player and should continue to improve significantly. Amen’s ability to push the pace and create opportunities in transition has also been vital for the Rockets’ offense.

What’s Next? The Future is Bright for Amen Thompson

Looking ahead, the future appears incredibly bright for Amen Thompson. At just 22 years old (as of early 2025), he has already demonstrated the potential to be a significant player in the NBA for years to come.

His continued development, particularly in refining his jump shot and becoming a more consistent threat in the half-court offense, will be key to reaching his ceiling. The Rockets clearly view him as a core piece of their young roster, having already exercised his team option for the 2025-26 season as part of his rookie contract, which is worth over $40 million over four years. If he can continue to build upon his strengths and improve in his areas of weakness, Amen Thompson has the potential to become not just a solid NBA player, but a star in the league and potentially even the face of the Rockets franchise alongside Alperen Sengun.

Conclusion: Amen Thompson, A Key Piece for the Future

In conclusion, Amen Thompson represents the modern NBA prospect – an incredibly athletic, versatile player with a unique pathway to the professional ranks. His time in Overtime Elite provided a different kind of preparation, and his rookie season with the Houston Rockets showed flashes of the star potential that made him the 4th overall pick. While his shooting remains an area for improvement, his elite athleticism, playmaking ability, and defensive impact make him an exciting player to watch and a vital component of the Rockets’ future. As someone who’s followed his career path with interest, I’m genuinely excited to see how Amen Thompson continues to develop and make his mark on the league.