Rockets’ Amen Thompson: Sophomore outlook

As the fourth overall pick in 2023, Amen Thompson was able to find his rhythm in the latter part of the season after an early season sprained ankle, sidelining him for almost every game in November.

Making his return from his injury, Thompson’s quick swing came back to him quickly, leaving him to find his rhythm later in January, where he really flourished beyond that. Increasing his point total almost every month up to 13.1 per game in March, Thompson’s progression on the stat sheet was almost linear, especially when you consider his field goal percentage increasing by over 2 % each month – ultimately ending up at 59.6. Average % of the field in April.

Those numbers left the 21-year-old guard with 9.5 points on 53.6 percent shooting, 6.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists in 62 games and 23 starts during his rookie season.

“I feel really good about my progress,” Thompson said during his exit interview in mid-April, reflecting on his first season in the league. “Just learning the NBA game and finishing the year with a triple-double, that means a lot to me.”

Thompson finished his rookie campaign with a performance of 18 points, 11 rebounds and 10 assists along with three steals and three blocks in a victory against the LA Clippers.

“It was tough,” Thompson added when asked if he adjusted to the NBA landscape. “The speed of the game, the best players, you can’t take nights off. I feel like over time I’ve adapted to it more and more.”

This was evident in the pace of his play and in subsequent numbers later in the season, as his efficiency increased once he found that comfort. Looking ahead to his second year, Thompson will find plenty of opportunities as the Houston Rockets seek a playoff spot for the first time since 2020.

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