Amen Thompson 'Done a Great Job' During Houston Rockets Training Camp

But how did the former OverTime Elite prospect take the helm as a major standout to coach Ime Udoka?

LAKE CHARLES, La. - The main thing Amen Thompson is grateful for entering his rookie season with the Houston Rockets are the veterans. Thompson said during Rockets media day that each veteran has been willing to teach. And one player Thompson has gravitated to is Fred VanVleet. 

"Every chance I get, I am always picking Fred's brain," Thompson said. "He has always been there for me. Even when I beat him, he is still wanting to teach me."

Thompson has exercised VanVleet's teachings during the Rockets' four-day outing inside the Legacy Center in Lake Charles for training camp. The outcome has led to Thompson being a standout in the eyes of coach Ime Udoka.

The first-year head coach of the Rockets said Thompson displayed each intangible that made him the No. 4 pick of the 2023 NBA Draft in June. 

As an athletic guard who can thrive in the open court, Udoka has been pleased with Thompson's ability to ignite the fast break. And due to Udoka's emphasis on defense, Thompson has displayed great effort on the defensive end.

But the most thrilling part of Thompson's game during training camp has been his ability to go through his reads and progressions as a facilitator. During team scrimmages, Thompson took the lead as the primary ball-handler for the second unit, which led to several outstanding passes.

Rockets Amen Thompson during Rockets media day at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The highlight of training camp for Thompson came on Day 1 after he connected with Jae'Sean Tate following a one-handed shuffle pass. A few days later, Thompson drilled a step-back 3-point field goal over the top of VanVleet to show his improved shooting.

Udoka said Thompson is everything they thought he would be as a rookie scratching the surface. 

"He's getting up to speed," Udoka said. "He's learning on the fly. He already has some natural abilities and instincts that you can't teach, and the IQ and the passing ability that stands out immediately. But he'll learn as he goes. He's done a great job."

#Rockets rookie Amen Thompson. pic.twitter.com/RqgPJg0MuV

— Coty M. Davis (@CotyDavis_24) October 6, 2023

Despite being a lottery pick, Udoka has been impressed by Thompson's training camp progressions as a former OverTime Elite prospect. But more importantly, his brief time during the Las Vegas Summer League Tournament.  

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. 

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

The Rockets drafted Thompson due to their faith in him for the future. But thanks to getting a headstart while learning from VanVleet, his first training camp outing showcased that he is ready to contribute to the Rockets as a rookie during the 2023-24 campaign. 

It's the main reason Thompson will tell family and friends that his first training camp was fun and informative, both now and in the future.

"Overall, the chemistry was great," Thompson said. "Everyone was jumping and excited. I wish I would have won the half-court challenge. But overall, it was great."