What's Next for Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson's Recovery?

As he continues his recovery from a Grade 2 ankle sprain, coach Ime Udoka reveals the reasoning behind Amen Thompson's G League assignment.

HOUSTON — The Houston Rockets assigned rookie point guard Amen Thompson to their G League affiliate team, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Tuesday morning. Coach Ime Udoka said the plan is to allow Thompson to get some experience playing in a live game before returning to Houston's lineup.

Thompson sustained a Grade 2 ankle sprain during the Rockets' 128-119 victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Nov. 1. He stepped on J.T. Thor's foot while driving to the basket. Later that night, Thompson could not put weight on his injured ankle and left the Toyota Center on crutches. 

He spent the next five days in a walking boot, but on Nov. 7, the former OverTime Elite prospect attended practice without it. During the Rockets' three-game road trip, Udoka said Thompson participated in a team scrimmage and did not experience any pain.

"We just want him to get some live action in," Udoka said. "He will probably stay throughout the weekend. But it will depend on what will happen with us and our games. There is a possibility of [him playing in the] two games."

Rockets forward Amen Thompson (1) on the court before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Toyota Center / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Before the injury, Thompson came off the bench as Fred VanVleet's backup, averaging 6.3 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists on 40.9 percent shooting from the field.

When Thompson first went down, Udoka said he would use "a committee" to replace his services. But during his 13-game absence, Udoka has relied upon Aaron Holiday to fill the vacancy.

In the game against the Hornets, Thompson recorded four points, one rebound and one assist. With four minutes left in the first quarter, Thomson converted a one-handed alley-oop dunk over the top of Brandon Miller, assisted by Jae'Sean Tate.

In addition to Thompson, the Rockets also assigned Cam Whitmore while transferring Nate Hinton and Jermaine Samuel Jr. to the Vipers.

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