Rockets' Amen Thompson Illustrated 'Towering Upside' During Summer League

Houston Rockets' rookie Amen Thompson played one game during the Las Vegas Summer League tournament, but it was enough to showcase his towering upside.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets advanced to the championship title game during the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League tournament. But due to a Grade 2 ankle injury, the Rockets only saw Amen Thompson for 28 minutes.

The Rockets ruled Thompson out for the summer tournament after he sustained an ankle injury during the final seconds of a 100-99 win over the Portland Trail Blazers. He left the Thomas & Mack Center in a walking boot the night of the injury. But one game was all Thompson needed to showcase his potential as a first-round prospect. 

"Even with major concerns about his shooting stroke, this year's No. 4 pick could be special as a 6'7" playmaker with jaw-dropping hops, incredible quick-twitch athleticism and towering upside as a versatile stopper," Bleacher Report writes.

Coach Ime Udoka described Thompson as a "true point guard," who will get better with time. Before injuring his ankle, Thompson had put together a solid Summer League debut by contributing on both ends.

Before injuring his ankle, Thompson had put together a solid Summer League debut by contributing on both ends. 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 was the second rookie who endured an injury during their Summer League debut.

Trail Blazers' Scoot Henderson left the game with a right shoulder injury midway through the third quarter. Henderson finished with 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. His first-half performance led Portland to a 53-47 halftime lead over the Rockets.

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