Ime Udoka reacts to Amen Thompson’s newest exhibiting as Rockets level guard

With veteran Fred VanVleet out to relaxation, second 12 months Houston Rockets Prospect Amen Thompson began at level guard in Wednesday’s preseason victory in Oklahoma Metropolis.

It was at the very least considerably of a transition for Thompson, who was drafted within the first spherical of 2023 as a degree guard earlier than taking part in a lot of his 2023-24 rookie season within the frontcourt. At 6-foot-7 and 215 kilos, Thompson is athletic and lengthy sufficient to play a number of positions, and Houston had a vacant beginning spot on its entrance line in early March after dropping Alperen Sengun to an ankle damage ending the season.

However regardless that Thompson has largely thrived in that frontcourt function — notably as a defender and as an off-ball menace on offense — he nonetheless has sufficient ball-handling expertise, imaginative and prescient and flexibility to additionally play within the backcourt.

Throughout Friday’s crew apply, head coach Ime Udoka was requested about Thompson’s variations as a degree guard, in addition to his tackle how the 21-year-old – who has completed with 8 factors, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 0 turnovers. in 27 minutes – lastly famous in Oklahoma Metropolis.

Udoka replied:

Reflection is an enormous a part of it. You now provoke for everybody, as a substitute of getting misplaced and simply taking part in. Nothing adjustments with regards to bounces, pushes and transitions. However being the final on the court docket and having to place guys of their spots after lifeless balls, assists or free throws, it is slightly totally different thought course of. You must put guys of their place.

We talked about it at present, he has to know each place. He’s a playmaker, however he also can play two, three or 4. For him, it is nearly slowing down slightly bit when he isn’t in transition and understanding what photographs you need to get for sure guys.

With VanVleet seemingly again in his regular beginning function, Thompson and the Rockets will return to preseason play with subsequent Tuesday’s dwelling recreation in opposition to New Orleans. Tip-off from the Toyota Heart is 7:00 p.m. Central Time.

Houston is now 1-1 in its four-game exhibition schedule.