Rockets Coach Ime Udoka 'Pleased' By Amen Thompson's Short Summer League Stint

Despite playing in one game during the Las Vegas Summer League tournament, Houston Rockets coach Ime Udoka was left pleased by rookie point guard Amen Thompson.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets advanced to the championship title game during the 2023 Las Vegas Summer League. 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 coach Ime Udoka needed to see the potential in his first-round prospect.

"He is everything we thought he would be, and we were pleased just in that one game," Udoka said. "You see the physical traits that he has, which flashed in the pre-draft workouts. But for him, just his passing ability and defensive intensity."

Despite playing one game, Udoka believes Thompson's attributes will complement Houston during the 2023-24 season. The Rockets have three prime scorers in Jalen Green, Kevin Porter Jr. and Jabari Smith Jr., And Udoka senses that Thompson will take the helm as Houston's top facilitator — even with the addition of veteran point guard Fred VanVleet.

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. 

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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