Amen Thompson, Rising Proxy Leader

He overtook the (soft) defense of the Kings by dribbling and “eurostep”. Then at the end of the race, reached the circle, Amen Thompson preferred to skin out to find Josh Okogie in the corner for a 3-pointer. It was one of seven balls that the Rockets player delivered in this game.

This 23-year-old is starting to collect such evenings in the cast. In the absence of Fred VanVleet, he is actually responsible for raising the skin and participating in the creation of the Texas game. If Alperen Sengun remains the main creator (7 passes per match), Amen Thompson has greatly increased his volume in this area.

With more than 5 deliveries per night, he has never dealt so many balls in his career. A form of achievement for the wing player who grew up admiring the feats of his favorites Radjon Rondo and Russell Westbrook. Or LeBron James, John Wall and Chris Paul.

Marked by Rajon Rondo

« I like to watch players like this to see how they attack when given the chance. I also like the way they can control the game. I’ve always been a fan of LeBron, Westbrook and John Wall. Then I started watching Rondo and I was like, ‘Wow, this guy is really strong.’ », he says.

The No. 4 pick in the 2023 draft was heavily influenced by IK, the NBA champion playmaker with the Celtics in 2008. He says he started following him a lot because of his impact on the game, “ even when we let him shoot. He always got where he wanted, distributed the game and grabbed 20 rebounds at 1.88 m. »

I’m exaggerating a bit, because Rajon Rondo never had more than 17 rebounds, which is already huge for a player in his position. Like his mentor, but with extra centimeters, Amen Thompson also shows his ability to be active under the circle. His 7 rebounds complete his 17 point average.

Conquered leaders

The experience of placing him as a leader in this atypical five Rockets – in which Reed Shepard was not injected in the end – seems final for now. ” He takes it wonderfully. There is a lot of information to process and assimilate. But we’re seeing it get more comfortable match by match. It’s a big responsibility, but he’s ready to take it on », greets Freda VanVleet.

On the management side, managing director Raphael Stone is also delighted with his performance. ” I am satisfied with our team. We love young players and their development. I would prefer Fred to be healthy. But we all want it. Amin would like that. Everyone would like that. No one wants to see their teammate hurt. »

The GM reminds that his player is used to a leadership position, when he played in AAU he already had the ball in his hand. Today he has a chance to use his ball-carrying abilities.

« I just play basketball. I don’t think about it. Come to think of it, it’s not going so well. I know I have to do whatever the team needs me to do, whether I’m in the dunk spot, starting the play or putting players in position to score. I’m not exhausted at all. I actually feel pretty good “, he concludes.

https://vvv.youtube.com/vatch?v=Z_kmio9D1zv

How to read statistics? MJ = matches played; Min = Minute; Shots = Shots Successful / Shots Attempted; 3 points = 3 points / attempt 3 points; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive jump; Tot = Total number of jumps; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal mistakes; Int = intercepts; Bp = lost balls; Ct: Against; Points = Points.