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Amen Thompson Q&A: On his ankle injury, jump shot and the comforts of soup – The Athletic
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The anticipation is bursting at the seams.
After being drafted fourth overall by the Houston Rockets in June, Amen Thompson was disappointed to only appear in one summer-league game due to a left ankle injury. But with training camp days away, the excitement is back.
It’s not just that Thompson’s arrival comes at a time when the organization is expecting to turn a corner in their rebuild and move toward a winning future — that could have happened even without the rookie’s presence due to Houston’s busy summer. But the 20-year-old brings certain qualities that aren’t replicable at his age, at least not currently on the roster.
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For months, he was touted as one of the most gifted players to enter the league in quite some time, an impressive meld of speed, strength and grace. In his lone game in July, Thompson put on a bright performance —16 points, five assists, four rebounds — in front of Rockets officials who were left satisfied with all the scouting and predraft work they had done.
At a glance, the rookie represents a lot of attributes this new era of Rockets basketball is hoping to exemplify — defensive intensity, offensive unselfishness and consistent work ethic. He’ll be surrounded by veterans like Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green who have seen everything the NBA has to offer and will give him a platform to grow.
Ahead of training camp, Thompson sat down with The Athletic to discuss his health, goals, jumper and more.
(Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.)
Amen, I know it’s been a busy summer for you preparing your body for training camp. It’s just around the corner now — how are you feeling from a physical standpoint? How is the ankle?
The ankle is great! My body feels amazing. Training camp is (a few days away) now, so I’m just excited about that. Ready to compete with the guys. Preseason, regular season, just keeping it going.
From the end of summer league until now, I know you’ve done some film and shot work. With film, I know you only played one game in Vegas, but what did you see from yourself in that performance? Where do you want to add or augment your game?
From a film standpoint, I saw a lot of good things and also a lot of things I can improve on. With more repetition of playing with the guys, playing 5-on-5, I got a lot more comfortable. I felt like I was comfortable (before) out there, but I’m a lot more comfortable than I even was. So, just slowing the game down — it doesn’t have to be fast all the time — that’s what’s been working out.
As an NBA player, especially in current times, it’s important to have outside off-the-court opportunities to grow and expand. You’ve been able to immerse yourself in a few things like Campbell’s (Soup Company) and getting acquainted with the city of Houston. What’s that process been like for you?
To get opportunities like Campbell’s, myself and Ausar (Thompson), when we were younger, we used to always eat Campbell’s and have it decked away in the cupboards. Just seeing things made to help advertise (in both directions), it’s the perfect pair. The soup and the grilled cheese are a direct reflection of me and Ausar, the perfect pair. Off the court, it’s just been cool adjusting to being in the NBA.
What have the conversations been like between you and head coach Ime Udoka and the rest of the coaching staff about their plans for you this season?
We haven’t had a lot of talks like that yet. I feel like it’s about to start happening next week. But just things the coaches say how to help (from) Day 1. Play defense, they can’t get you off the court if you’re playing defense. And do what I do, I can get to the rim, I can facilitate and create for myself. I feel like we’ll have more talks soon but as for right now, that’s all I know.
How much work have you been able to put into your jump shot? I know heading into the draft, that was a major talking point about what you wanted to accomplish. Can you share anything as far as techniques or preparation?
I put a lot of hours in with (lead assistant) Ben Sullivan just on my jump shot and I feel way more confident than I did even going into summer league. Over time, I know I’ll be a great shooter. Over time, over the years, it’s not like it’s a one-day thing. It’s an over the course of time sort of thing so I know I’ll be great at that. And when I’m great at that, it opens up everything else.
One area it opens up is playmaking. Where do you see yourself fitting in alongside gifted passers like Fred VanVleet and Alperen Şengün, guys who will have the ball in their hands? How can you aid the process of making Houston an efficient half-court offensive unit?
Playing with guys like VanVleet and Şengün, they also can run an offense. Just having that many playmakers on the court, people who can make plays for others, it makes it easier for you. I could see a (Nikola) Jokić thing with a lot of players with Şengün — a lot of backdoor cuts. Şengün’s a great passer, VanVleet’s a great leader. Seeing already how he can control a game, I’m learning a lot from him. He’s also a great passer. I feel like we have a little two-man game already.
As far as playmaking chemistry with Şengün, have the two of you discussed the potential meshing of your playing styles? Or is it more conceptual?
Not conversations, but in the game (there are) improvised moments where it’s evident that there’s something there. With everyone to be honest.
Talking about some of your physical traits, the explosiveness and combination of strength and speed are going to aid your transition to the NBA. Did anything from summer league show you that you’re ready for it? Or is the gap between the two extremely wide?
There’s probably a difference between summer league and the real NBA, but summer league is still something. You play and you try to do your best in it. But I know I’m ready for the real NBA, too. I get to play with these guys all the time, I feel like I’ll do great. Just excited to see how I grow.
Culturally speaking, at Overtime Elite, you and your brother were praised for the work ethic and attitude you brought to the table. Now, being in Houston with a whole new coaching staff and veterans on the roster, what do you bring that can lift others in the locker room with you?
Immediately, I’m a leader. I can facilitate for others — that’s something that can be infectious. Having multiple people facilitate for others, everyone’s going to want to be a team player.
(Top photo: Jamie Squire / Getty Images)
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Kelly Iko is the Houston Rockets staff writer for The Athletic, having joined the company in 2018. The upcoming 2023-24 season will be his eighth following the NBA, having previously worked with USA Today and ESPN Houston. Follow Kelly on Twitter @KellyIko
