Popping out of elite additional time, the scouting report on Amen Thompson was that he’s a wonderful subject normal who can do nearly every little thing besides shoot.
Thompson’s first season with the Houston Rockets confirmed this, as Rockets coach Ime Udoka moved him to the ground wing place, permitting him to be extra of a drive on the glass. Thompson additionally displayed stellar protection, a lot in order that observers started to view him as a future All-Defensive participant.
Some have speculated that he may even change into Defensive Participant of the 12 months. This isn’t hyperbole.
He alters the sport on protection.
However pretty much as good as he was defensively, his long-range capturing was simply as dangerous. A minimum of as a newbie.
The second yr’s numbers can be fully completely different, nevertheless, not less than in accordance with Basketball Poetry’s Mike Shearer, who predicts that Amen and his twin brother Ausar can be higher at this (each time Ausar is wholesome and cleared to return to play).
“What parts of optimism are there? On the one hand, defenses will transfer away from him to a good higher diploma than final season.
Nobody within the league will command much less respect on the three-point line.
In actuality, it would take a while to see outcomes, however there’s precedent for fast turnaround instances. Brook Lopez went from 14% on 0.2 makes an attempt per recreation to 34.6% on an astonishing 5.2 photographs in a single day (though he nonetheless had a pleasant mid-range jumper). Orlando’s Jalen Suggs shot 21.4 p.c from three in his freshman yr; this changed into 32.7% in his second season.
Thompson shot a measly 13.8 p.c from three as a rookie, however deserves credit score for being keen to take them. Typically, when gamers wrestle with their 3-point shot, they refuse to make it as a result of insecurity.
The identical can’t be mentioned for Thompson.
And whereas Shearer’s 30% goal is fairly low, it could do wonders for the Rockets if he turns into simply as efficient from lengthy vary in 2024-25.
Would you want to affix the dialogue? As Rockets on SI Fb and observe us on Twitter to remain updated with all the newest Rockets information. You too can meet the workforce behind the quilt.
