Unanimously recognized among scouts as the type of athletic marvel capable of altering an organization’s defensive culture, Amen Thompson found that the Houston Rockets wouldn’t make him wait long to hear his name during the 2023 NBA Draft. Nine months later, with Houston navigating the rocky terrain of its playoff hunt without their No. 1 scorer and rebounder, Thompson returned that favor, checking both boxes with similar haste. Entrusted the task as the Rockets’ do-it-all, small ball center, Thompson showcases his versatility, snagging a board before toggling into floor general mode. Fierce in sending an early-game message, the No. 4 pick unbalances Jordan Poole with a blur-quick crossover, opening his path to the rim for a powerful in-traffic poster flush. An inside-the-arc nightmare for the Washington Wizards’ zone throughout the night’s entirety, Thompson’s gifts guided a career-best 25 points, 10 rebounds, one block, and a +32 plus-minus in just 32 minutes of play. The rookie forward helped Houston clinch the fourth win of their 11-game streak on March 19, 2024, ultimately propelling them to the NBA’s best record (13-2) for that month. · Mar 19, 2024