As the US males’s nationwide basketball crew ready for the 2024 Olympic Video games in Paris, France, they competed towards Group USA Choose, a really younger and athletic group of school gamers and the NBA.
Being a member of the Choose Group permits younger gamers to compete with a few of the finest gamers within the NBA whereas permitting this system’s coaches to get an thought of how the following group of people would possibly characterize the nation sooner or later. worldwide competitions.
One title that stood out in practices and scrimmages was Houston Rockets Sophomore guard/ahead Amen Thompson, who took on the problem of dealing with LeBron James – the NBA’s all-time main scorer – and a number of other different dynamic Group USA scorers, corresponding to Kevin Durant and Devin Booker .
To say the least, Thompson didn’t shrink back from these confrontations. He welcomed it, figuring out it could solely assist him enhance all through his NBA profession.
“It was an important expertise,” stated Thompson, the No. 4 general choice within the first spherical of the 2023 NBA Draft. “Numerous these guys I seemed as much as rising up. So taking part in towards these guys, competing towards them, it was enjoyable. The vets have been a lot greater and higher, however I felt like I used to be holding my very own.
Thompson’s confidence in his talents helps guarantee his teammates and coaches that he can excel in any place the 6-foot-7 hybrid participant is deployed on the sphere.
“Regardless of the coaches ask me to do,” Thompson stated after the Rockets’ 2024-25 coaching camp apply Wednesday. “I really feel like I am good at a variety of various things. I am fairly assured.
As a pure level guard, it was initially tough for Thompson to not have the ball in his palms typically, because the Rockets had veterans Fred VanVleet and Aaron Vacation operating the present. It did not assist that Thompson could not keep on the sphere early in his rookie season on account of an ankle harm and issues from the flu.
However after heart Alperen Sengun injured his ankle in March, Thompson was thrust into the beginning lineup and located himself utilized in a number of methods. Thompson completed the season averaging 9.5 factors, 6.6 rebounds and a couple of.6 assists per recreation whereas taking part in 22.4 minutes. His 15 double-doubles (factors and rebounds) this season allowed him to maneuver up a spot on the 2023-24 NBA All-Rookie Second Group.
Thompson has centered on bettering his 3-point taking pictures, ball dealing with and management this offseason. He additionally had the chance to reconnect along with his twin brother Ausar, who performs for the Detroit Pistons, since final season was the primary time the 2 spent vital time aside. Ausar missed the ultimate two months of his rookie season on account of a blood clot.
This offseason, the Thompson twins have been inducted into the Oakland Sports activities Corridor of Fame alongside Dallas Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd; Jaylen Brown, 2024 NBA Finals MVP and Boston Celtics ahead; and Corridor of Fame level guard Gary Payton.
“The offseason has been enjoyable,” Thompson stated when requested if he hung out along with his brother. “We each went to Florida, skilled collectively and performed one-on-one. It was enjoyable to see him.
Because the Rockets put together for Monday’s 2024-25 preseason opener towards the Utah Jazz, Thompson continues to be with out a place. This can be a bonus for head coach Ime Udoka, who appreciates the 21-year-old’s versatility and physicality.
“I really feel like I’m bodily,” Thompson stated. “I like to color. More often than not, if I’ve a guard on me, I am the most important guard on the ground. Although I’ve a man who’s taller than me, I am sooner than them. To get to my locations, I’ve to be bodily and I’ve labored on my physique all 12 months.
Extra: Fred VanVleet impressed by Amen Thompson’s entry into Rockets 2024-25 coaching camp
This text was initially printed on Rockets Wire: As second season begins, Amen Thompson will get bodily for the Rockets
