Amen Thompson’s Journey with the Rockets
As De’Aaron Fox’s shot bounced off the rim, Amen Thompson quickly glanced toward the Rockets bench. In Houston, nothing prompts a stern reprimand from Ime Udoka faster than a defensive misstep, and Thompson, a talented second-year swingman, seems to frequently be on the receiving end of these critiques. General manager Rafael Stone believes Thompson’s ratio of scored points to verbal reprimands from Udoka is nearly equal.
The context doesn’t matter—whether it’s practice, preseason, or a late February game against San Antonio. Thompson, during his rookie season, often reacted negatively to his coach’s tough feedback. “Sometimes he looks at you like he’s furious,” Thompson recalled. Recently, he has begun to embrace the critiques. “I hold him to a high standard because of his capabilities,” said Udoka. “I want to prevent any bad habits because we know just how good he can become.”
The word is out now: Thompson, 22, is a versatile and athletic defender, integral to the Rockets’ core of similar defenders. His sophomore season has been impressive, with an uptick in scoring, rebounding, and assists, earning him the title of Western Conference Defensive Player of the Month in January. Udoka utilizes him effectively against various opponents, from quick guards like Fox to lengthy power forwards like Cleveland’s Evan Mobley. “When I coached Kyrie [Irving] in Boston, he’d impress you with his offensive plays every game. It’s the same scenario with Amen defensively,” Udoka stated.
Udoka has also encouraged Thompson to enhance his offensive versatility. This season, when Fred VanVleet was sidelined for five weeks, Thompson took on the role of point guard, averaging 5.9 assists per game during that time. According to Kings coach Doug Christie, there were early doubts about Thompson’s fit in the league, saying, “He’s a natural player. They have really tapped into his potential here.”
This development couldn’t come at a more crucial juncture. As the postseason approaches, the league landscape appears very competitive, with the last six Finals showcasing a remarkable nine distinct teams. Just four years back, Houston struggled at the bottom of the standings, now they are emerging as credible contenders, alongside teams like Oklahoma City and Cleveland, who have demonstrated powerful winning streaks this season.
Looking ahead, Houston’s trajectory is promising. The Rockets have opted to retain their young talent instead of making trades, aiming to see how this group performs together. They’re bracing for their first-round series against Golden State, and Stone expressed confidence in his team’s development, emphasizing that they are not finished products. With Thompson leading the charge, the Rockets believe their full potential is yet to be realized.
As Thompson continues to grow, he’s becoming more vocal on and off the court. Udoka is keen to cultivate this leadership quality while maintaining Thompson’s competitive edge. Thompson’s journey from the courts of San Leandro, California, where he honed his skills with rigorous drills and pickup games, to thriving in the NBA illustrates his dedication and the hard work he has put into his craft. With Thompson’s commitment and willingness to learn from veterans like Dillon Brooks, the future looks bright for both him and the Rockets as they strive for championship aspirations.
