The two rookies of the rocket are officially unveiled! Thompson No. 1 White Devils No. 7 Harden jumped out of contract and is still expected to join
On June 27, Beijing time, the Rockets held a press conference for two rookies who selected Amen Thompson with the 4th pick in the first round and Cam Whitmore with the 20th pick. At the press conference, the two rookies were warmly welcomed, with Thompson going to wear the No. 1 jersey and Whitmore wearing the No. 7 jersey. Jabari Smith, who wore No. 1 last season, has switched to No. 10. In addition, Harden has decided to jump out of his contract and become a free agent, and he is still likely to return to the Rockets.
Rocket's official social media posted many photos of the scene. Thompson wore a gray suit, while Whitmore was more casual, wearing a short-sleeved floral shirt, and the two walked into the venue with smiles on their faces, rocket bears behind them and streamers flying. The two rookies also greeted the staff warmly.
Head coach Uduka and general manager Stone attended the launch together. Amen Thompson's younger brother, Osa Thompson (selected by the Pistons with the 5th pick), also came to the venue to cheer for his brother.
Amen Thompson said: "Walking into the stadium makes everything feel more real, like a rocket man. "When asked how you want to be remembered? Thompson's answer was: "A winner, a player who is willing to do anything for the team." Whitmore said he wanted to step up his training in mid-range projection.
The two rookies also had a mutual evaluation. Amen Thompson said of Whitmore: "Athletic, he can shoot, he can beat anyone, and to be honest, he's like a train, he's at the top of my list." Whitmore said of Thompson: "A tall guard who can jump off the court, defend, rebound, do everything. ”
Stone emphasized that both rookies are special and are unique elites among the rookies. Uduka said he would try to balance his rookie and veteran time. 'Someone will play a different role than before, and both rookies and veterans need to win playing time. This means that playing time in the new season is no longer just about developing young people.
According to a reporter from the 76ers, Harden plans to jump out of his contract and become a free agent. Sam Amick spoke about the possibility of Harden returning to the Rockets. He said there is still a "high possibility" that Harden will return to the Rockets. "Only Harden and his inner circle really know which way he leans towards, but having a source close to him reconfirm that the Rockets remain a major team to consider," he said. As you might be wondering, that's still the case, even though the Rockets have selected guard Amen Thompson with the No. 4 pick. ”