Let's start by talking about this rookie Amen Thompson. He made a name for himself with the Green Army when he first started playing, scoring 15 points, 14 rebounds and five assists in 32 minutes. This number looks pretty good, especially the rebounds and assists, which shows that he not only has the ability to grab rebounds, but also has good passing vision and athleticism. Although the shooting percentage is not too high, it is not too high for a newcomer, but for a newcomer, it has shown his good potential.
Speaking of Rockets head coach Udoka, he has worked as an assistant coach in both the Spurs and Philadelphia, so his vision is naturally unusual. He has a high opinion of Amen, praising him for his speed, agility and passing skills. Udoka also mentioned Ben Simmons, saying that Amen is a bit similar to Simmons in terms of size and controlling the pace of the game. This comparison is not casual, after all, Simmons is also a good player.
Let's take a look at Amen's performance with the Rockets. He has improved his average to 164 minutes per game this season, and his stats are good, averaging 63 points, 41 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game. It's just that the three-point shooting rate is only 133%, which is a bit low. However, he is working hard to improve his shooting skills, and the Rockets management has also given him a 2+1 contract, apparently optimistic that he can become a good point guard in the future.
Let's talk about another player of the Rockets, Osar, this buddy has also been good this season, averaging 237 minutes per game, scoring 83 points, 68 rebounds, 2 assists, 08 steals and 09 blocks. Both are the Rockets' hopes for the future.
When it comes to the draft, the Rockets have a really good vision. They picked Jokic Jr. in 2021, Leonard Jr. in 2022, and Simmons Jr. in 2023. These drafts have shown the Rockets' precise vision.
But lately, Rockets fans have been buzzing with a piece of news about Tari Ethan. According to New York media outlet LTK, the Knicks are interested in Ethan. Although Rockets' general manager Stone has not yet responded, Ethan's mom has spoken out, firmly saying that Ethan is not for sale for the Rockets. The mother was so adamant that she even exaggerated that she didn't want to take her son unless someone could offer a 40-year first-round pick. Of course, this is a bit of an exaggeration, and the NBA rules only allow you to trade first-round picks for the next seven years at most, and you can't trade first-round picks for two consecutive years. But these words are enough to show her support for her son and her loyalty to Rocket.
Rockets head coach Udoka also likes Eason and thinks he can impact the game. Udoka also mentioned that he worked with Leonard as a young man, and Ethan reminded him of Leonard's performance on the court. Udoka believes that statistically, Eason is one of the players on the Rockets who can influence games and wins the most.
The Rockets' draft strategy has been in the spotlight. In 2023, they selected Amen Thompson with the 4th pick, known as the "young version of Simmons." This choice reflects the plans and expectations of the rocket management for the future. General manager Stone even said that he hoped Amen could make up for missing out on tall point guard Cunningham. While Amen is not as good as Cunningham in shooting and ball handling, he has an advantage in athleticism and defense. The Rockets have high hopes for him and will not use him as a trade chip for the time being.
The Rockets have been looking for key players who can lead the team forward over the years. They offered Van Jordan a 2+1 contract, but he was clearly not part of the long-term plan. Despite his short height and injury concerns, the Rockets are hoping he can play a role in Amen's formative years.
Ben Simmons, while now a negative asset, did have an All-Star caliber in the past. He doesn't have three-point shooting, but his passing and defensive abilities have helped the team succeed. He is a three-time All-Star and has also won All-Defensive Team and steal titles.
Amen has just made four three-pointers this season, shooting 133 percent from the field, and he's working to improve his shooting ability. If Amen can develop a reliable three-point shooting, he could replace Van Jordan as the team's main point guard.
The performances of these young players have fans excited about the future of the Rockets. Coach Udoka has been involved in the team's draft and player development, and his decisions will have a significant impact on the future of the Rockets.
This season, the Rockets' young players are constantly evolving. Every time they take on the pitch, they lay the foundation for the future of the team. Amen is happy to be on the pitch at a crucial moment and it means a lot to him. He wants to fight as much as he can, and the trust of the coach means a lot to him.
Although the Rockets are not the strongest contenders yet, their young talent is undoubtedly an important cornerstone of success. Over time, the growth of these young players will determine the fate of the Rockets in the coming seasons.
Okay, so with all that said, what do you think about the future of the Rockets? How are these young players doing?