Houston Rockets select Amen Thompson in 2023 NBA Draft

After starring for Overtime Elite, guard Amen Thompson has heard his name called in the 2023 NBA Draft. The Houston Rockets selected him with the No. 4 overall pick Thursday night.

Thompson and his brother, Ausar, both forewent their senior years at Pine Crest School in Florida to play for Overtime Elite. This past season, Thompson averaged 16.3 points, 6.4 rebounds, 6.2 assists and 2.4 steals per game while playing for the City Reapers. That came after a solid 2021 season in which he put up 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.1 steals per contest.

One of Thompson’s biggest games during the 2022-23 campaign came Jan. 17 when he had 14 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists to help the City Reapers past Winston-Salem Christian 104-80. It was his first — and only — triple-double of the season, but he also added two double-doubles, as well.

Thompson’s skillset makes him an intriguing NBA prospect, and that led to plenty of hype during the pre-draft process. He’s also a proven winner as he and Ausar helped Pine Crest to a state title while sharing the Co-Player of the Year Award, and the hope is that success will translate to the NBA.

Thompson also had some college interest — including offers from Arizona, Kansas and Alabama, among others — before ultimately deciding to play for Overtime Elite.

What NBA Draft experts are saying about Amen Thompson

Thompson was viewed as a highly touted pick ahead of the draft, and NBA Draft analysts projected him to go toward the top of the board. That’s because of his unique skillset. At 6-foot-7 and 209 pounds, he no can not only score at a high level, but also create headaches on defense with his length and athleticism.

As a result, he seemed like a sure-fire lottery pick as teams prepared to make their way to the Barclays Center for the draft.

“Thompson has been operating as a ballhandler and playmaker with wing size and elite athleticism,” Rotowire’s evaluation of Thompson said. “He plays best with spacers around him, as opponents often go under screens. Even with that being the case, Thompson’s quickness and vertical leap help him blow past and rise over defenses with acrobatic finishes.

“When teams collapse, he finds the right man with an accurate pass. He’s bothersome on defense and can beat his man to the spot and has shown good IQ in help situations.”