Rockets' Amen Thompson Reveals Goals Ahead of Rookie Season: 'I Can Be Great'

Despite being a rookie, Amen Thompson has set lofty goals ahead of his first season with the Houston Rockets.

HOUSTON — Amen Thompson has set lofty goals ahead of his first season with the Houston Rockets. 

The rookie point guard said Monday afternoon during Media Day that winning Rookie of the Year and receiving All-Defensive Team honors were his top two goals heading into the 2023-24 campaign.

"I have big goals for myself this season," Thompson said. "I feel like there is no challenge that I am not ready for. Just being here, I feel like I can be great."

Despite being a lottery pick, Thompson remains a mystery due to the unknowns of being a former OverTime Elite prospect. But his lone performance during the Las Vegas Summer League Tournament showcased that Thompson may not be far from meeting his aspirations.  

Before going down with an ankle injury, Thompson helped the Rockets open their summer league tournament with a 100-99 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) poses for a picture at Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports / Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

He finished the game with 16 points on 6-of-13 shooting, five assists, four blocks, four rebounds and three steals in 28 minutes.

Thompson's Las Vegas performance demonstrated the skills that made him a highly sought-after prospect entering the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Rockets selected the 20-year-old guard with the No. 4 pick. 

At 6-foot-7, Thompson has the size to defend players one through five. And given his ball-handling and on-court vision, he could take the lead as the Rockets' floor general of the second unit.

"For us to get the guy that we wanted with the fourth pick, we are pleased with that," coach Ime Udoka said. "Although Amen's time [during summer league] was short-lived, he played great in that first game."

Despite revealing his individual goals, Thompson's mentality coincides with the rest of his teammates entering training camp. He also disclosed that making the playoffs is another significant ambition entering his first season in Houston.