Jalen Green Declares Amen Thompson Destined for Stardom

The Houston Rockets are soaring high in the Western Conference, recently clinching victories against some of the league’s heavyweights. A major factor in their success this season? The dazzling development of Amen Thompson. His teammate Jalen Green believes this sophomore has the potential to reach incredible heights—if he can nail one critical aspect of his game.

Amen Thompson’s Remarkable Month

January has been nothing short of spectacular for Amen Thompson. The young star is racking up nearly 19 points per game, over 10 rebounds, and 4 assists, all while playing stellar defense. Among his standout performances this year is a jaw-dropping 33-point game against the Boston Celtics, complete with a game-winning shot reminiscent of Kobe Bryant. He followed this up with a triple-double against the Cavaliers (23-14-10), a 16-rebound game against the same team, and a 23-point, 16-rebound showing against the Lakers.

Jalen Green’s Praise

It’s safe to say that Amen is on cloud nine and leaving everyone, especially Jalen Green, in awe.

“What he’s doing right now is insane. He’s a double-double machine. You can’t stop him when he drives to the basket. He’s guarding the best opposing player, grabbing boards, and putting back misses—plus, he’s a great dude. When you put it all together, you’re born to be a superstar.”

Thompson’s Athleticism and Impact

The fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft is an athletic powerhouse, wreaking havoc on both sides of the ball. With blocks, steals, and deflections, he’s everywhere. His versatility defensively, combined with his knack for creating turnovers, has made the Rockets one of the top defensive units in the league and a real threat in transition. Once Thompson has the ball on the break, it’s game over for opposing defenses. He’s faster than lightning and can leap to new heights.

Offensive Skills

On offense, Thompson brings value with his non-ball movement, often finding himself in the right place at the right time. His chemistry with Alperen Sengun, a terrific passer, can’t be overlooked. Thompson’s finishing ability from the dunker spot and his knack for snatching offensive rebounds create numerous extra scoring opportunities for his teammates. Add solid playmaking, and you have a player who’s truly well-rounded.

The Missing Ingredient

What’s still missing from Thompson’s game? The one crucial element in today’s NBA: a consistent outside shot. He’s currently shooting 25% from three on just 1.3 attempts per game, and a mere 71% from the free-throw line. Those numbers are subpar, prompting some teams to dare him to shoot from beyond the arc.

“If he gets a jumper, like a consistent jumper in this league, it’s over… he’s born to be a superstar.” – Jalen Green

Future Comparisons

Some players, no matter how talented, hit a ceiling because they lack an outside shot. Look at Josh Giddey, who found himself benched during last year’s playoffs, or a prime Ben Simmons, who couldn’t reach his full potential due to the absence of shooting range. Giannis Antetokounmpo may not have a reliable three-point shot, but he’s become a superstar due to his sheer physical dominance. Where does Amen Thompson fit in this spectrum? You could say he’s somewhere in the middle. Although he’s young with plenty of room to grow, his ceiling could flirt with that extreme Giannis level.

Thompson’s Approach

Unlike Ben Simmons, Thompson isn’t afraid to shoot, even from mid-range, and he draws free-throw attempts despite his current limitations. This keeps defenses on their toes, making him less predictable and simultaneously benefiting the Rockets’ offensive game.

Team Dynamics and Playoff Prospects

Thompson is fortunate to be part of a Rockets team that plays to his strengths. This squad boasts a solid defensive identity, a versatile big in Alperen Sengun, and explosive players like Jalen Green, plus a scorching Dillon Brooks and steady Fred VanVleet at point guard. For now, Thompson’s shooting weaknesses are masked by Houston’s strong presence on defense and their ability to capitalize on transition play. However, they’ve hit snags in half-court situations, partly due to a lack of individual offensive creation and Thompson’s limited threat from deep. It will be intriguing to see how this plays out in the playoffs come spring.

But for now, fans should relish what Amen Thompson is bringing to the Rockets. If Houston is positioned second in the West as we write this, much of the credit belongs to him.

Source: Bleacher Report

Fantastic play recently from Houston Rockets second-year forward Amen Thompson #Rockets

+ The 4th overall pick from the 2023 #NBADraft has started to blossom with his two-way upside and freakish athleticism.

+ Playmaking continues to be the icing on the cake, but young forward… pic.twitter.com/RKdEO4So3u

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