NBA Summer League: Amen Thompson Set to Debut for Rockets Friday

On Friday, high-flyer Amen Thompson is set to make his Houston Rockets debut at 2023 NBA Summer League.

After a months-long wait, fourth overall draftee Amen Thompson is set to make his professional debut for the Houston Rockets on Friday.

One of the more polarizing prospects in the last decade, Thompson’s debut is sure to bring about plenty of controversy no matter the result.

Hailing from the City Reapers of the Overtime Elite, Thompson has generational athleticism and likely the best passing chops in the class, all packaged within a 6-foot-7 frame. He's a strong driver and handler, perimeter defense and obvious pro-ready tools, several of which will make him a viable options out the gate.

But there’s also a variety of skills Thompson will need to improve on, some of which will be extremely apparent with an obvious skill jump from OTE even to Summer League competition. The biggest of which is his perimeter shooting.

Still, Thompson is sure to be must-watch TV on Friday.

In 16 regular season games with the City Reapers, Thompson averaged 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and assists, and 2.3 steals. He shot 57 percent from the field and just 25 percent from beyond the arc.

With top free agent Fred VanVleet joining the Rockets this season on a 3-year deal, this could be a rare opportunity to see Thompson as the sole lead guard on the floor.

Houston takes on Portland, who has a high-flying guard of their own in third overall pick Scoot Henderson, at 6 p.m. Friday. Thompson will be flanked by Cam Whitmore, Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason and more.

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