Amen Thompson of Rockets: NBA's 'Best Athlete'



by NOUMAN RASOOL

Amen Thompson of Rockets: NBA's 'Best Athlete'
Amen Thompson of Rockets: NBA's 'Best Athlete' © Ethan Miller/Getty Images Sport

Houston Rockets are abuzz with anticipation, and it's all thanks to their rookie sensation, Amen Thompson. Before even making his official NBA debut, he's turned heads and dropped jaws, with insiders touting him as possibly the "premier athlete" within the entire NBA ecosystem.

A recent NBA survey orchestrated by ESPN's renowned sports analyst, Tim Bontemps, delved deep into the upcoming season's predictions. The poll, which drew insights from 15 of the league's leading scouts, coaches, and executives, has created a ripple of chatter about this new prodigy on the block.

One scout from the Eastern Conference couldn't contain his admiration. "Throw Amen Thompson into an NBA match this very moment," he said, "and he's likely outshining as the best athlete. His transition game, superior passing skills, commendable defense, and rebounding prowess are remarkable." Bontemps' survey also raised an intriguing question, "Excluding Victor Wembanyama, which rookie from the 2023-24 batch will dominate in five years?" While Scoot Henderson, the No.

2 overall pick, comfortably led the pack with 11 nods, Amen Thompson, the Rockets' pride, wasn't far behind, securing 3 significant votes. Interestingly, Detroit Pistons' Thompson twin managed to clutch the final vote.

Thompson: Rockets' Rising Cornerstone

Emerging from Overtime Elite, Thompson's stats are nothing short of sterling.

Sporting an average of 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and a commendable 2.4 steals, it's evident why the Rockets, now in a rebuilding phase, view the 20-year-old as a cornerstone of their future ambitions. The Rockets' roster also boasts young talents like Jalen Green, Jabari Smith Jr., and Tari Eason, heralding a promising era for the team.

The Rockets' off-season hasn't been without its share of controversies, though. While one vote pegged their offseason as the least impressive, four votes hailed their acquisition of Fred VanVleet and Dillon Brooks as the most unexpected turn of events.

The Rockets are gearing up for their training camp slated for Oct. 3 at McNeese State University, Louisiana. Fans eagerly await the preseason face-off against the Indiana Pacers on Oct. 10, scheduled for 8 p.m., marking Thompson's much-anticipated showcase.