Amen Thompson’s Meteoric Rise and Free Throw Mastery
Amen Thompson made waves when the Houston Rockets selected him with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Known for his explosive athleticism and dynamic play, Thompson, alongside his twin brother Ausar, showcased his talent with the City Reapers in the Overtime Elite league. His contributions helped lead the Reapers to a league championship in April 2023, setting the stage for his declaration for the draft.
Navigating Early Challenges
Thompson’s entry into the NBA wasn’t without its hurdles. Early in his rookie season, he faced injuries that limited his impact on the court. However, as the season progressed and he finally shook off those setbacks, Thompson began to reveal the potential that had made him a coveted top-five pick.
His breakout moment came during his second season when an injury sidelined teammate Jabari Smith. The Rockets adjusted their lineup, placing Thompson in the starting power forward position. This pivotal change unlocked a new dimension of his game, allowing him to thrive both offensively and defensively. He quickly established himself as the team’s defensive anchor, earning a spot on the All-NBA First Team, a milestone not achieved by a Rockets player since Patrick Beverley.
A Step Forward in Scoring and Free Throws
By the end of the season, Thompson had raised his averages to 14.1 points and 8.2 rebounds per game, both significant improvements from his rookie year. Yet, one area remained a concern: his free-throw shooting. As Thompson’s reputation grew and opponents began to foul him more frequently to avoid easy baskets, his free-throw percentage dipped below average at .684 for the second consecutive season.
Thompson recognized the need for improvement, especially as teams became more physical in their approach to him.
Embracing Increased Responsibility
With the offseason arrival of Fred VanVleet, Thompson understood that his role would expand further. With VanVleet sidelined due to injury, Thompson, alongside Reed Sheppard, assumed point guard duties. This transition came with the expectation that Thompson would elevate his overall offensive game.
While his three-point shooting has seen a decline, Thompson has experienced a renaissance at the free-throw line. Currently, he boasts a remarkable .797 shooting percentage from the foul line, taking an average of four attempts per game. This newfound proficiency not only bolsters the Rockets’ chances in tight games but also empowers Thompson to play with greater aggression. The burden of missing free throws no longer looms over him as it did in previous seasons.
Team Improvement and Future Potential
The Rockets as a team have also benefited from this uptick in free-throw shooting, significantly improving from their last-place finish in free-throw percentage during the 2024-25 season. Should Thompson continue to refine his free-throw shooting, it will undoubtedly complement what is shaping up to be a standout third season in the NBA.
Amen Thompson is not just silencing the critics; he’s establishing himself as a key player for the Rockets, one who is ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with his growing stature in the league.
