After a solid rookie season from the former lottery pick Amen ThompsonThe talented jumbo guard appears poised for an even better sophomore campaign.
After a year in which the 21-year-old averaged 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.3 steals per game while shooting 53.6 percent from the field, Thompson reportedly made further progress this offseason.
According to Houston Chronicle reporter Michael Shapiro, Thompson’s off-season improvements have been praised by the head coach. Ime Udoka.
“Udoka said Thompson’s work in the weight room ‘stood out’ during the team’s summer games in Los Angeles,” Shapiro wrote.
If Thompson added more muscle to his frame, he would be an even better rebounder next season and could improve as a finisher around the rim. While Thompson’s size is already one of his assets, adding more strength will allow him to finish contact passes more consistently in the paint.
In addition to gaining weight, Thompson said he may have also grown in size during the offseason.
Last year, Thompson measured 6-foot-7, but he could be even bigger heading into the 2024-25 season.
“I feel a lot different,” Thompson said. “I’m getting stronger, faster. I’ve made a lot of progress this summer and I feel like it’s showing on the field. … People keep telling me [I’m getting taller]. I hope so. I’ll start by saying I’m 6’4″.
While it seems unlikely that Thompson’s height has increased, he is only 21 years old, meaning a small growth spurt is not out of the question. Sports Illustrated article from 1988 NBA Hall of Famer Dennis Rodman went from 5-9 at 19 to 6-8 two years later.
If reports of Thompson’s increased size and strength are accurate, the talented guard could have a breakout season in his sophomore year.
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