Rockets 'Super Excited' About Amen Thompson

Amen Thompson has played just eight games this season for the Houston Rockets.

Jeremy Brener | Dec 25, 2023

Rockets 'Super Excited' About Amen Thompson /

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Houston Rockets

The Houston Rockets have a lot of gifts this year under the Christmas tree, but one hasn't really been played with yet.

Back in June, the Rockets drafted Amen Thompson with the No. 4 overall pick, but the rookie has had a slow start to his NBA career with an ankle injury and illness keeping him on the sidelines for all but eight games this season.

But the team is excited about what's to come with Thompson.

"Amen just needs to get on the court," general manager Rafael Stone said via Kelly Iko of the Athletic. "He sprained his ankle, missed a bunch of time, came back, got sick, and is still trying to get over that. He just needs reps on the court. We’re super excited about him — every minute he’s played, whether in practice or games has just added to our excitement. But ultimately we’re just gonna have to see how he does on the court once he can consistently be available."

Fred VanVleet Displays Support for Texans

Thompson is averaging just five points and three rebounds per game so far this season for the Rockets, but those numbers are expected to improve as the year rolls along. He's coming off the bench for Fred VanVleet, but once he gets more comfortable in his role, more minutes and opportunities should come his way.

The Rockets are back in action tomorrow against the Indiana Pacers. Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. CT from Toyota Center.

Published Dec 25, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.