[2023 NBA Draft/1-4] Amen Thompson, G, Overtime Elite

https://theathletic.com/4634320/2023/06/23/cam-whitmore-amen-thompson-rockets-nba/

Amen, you visited and worked out with the Rockets last week. What about that meeting stuck with you personally?

Just that they were looking for a change. They were looking to turn the franchise around and get some wins. I wanted to be a part of that.

What sort of conversations did you have with the front office and John Lucas during the workout?

We were just trying to get to know each other. John Lucas is very exciting. I would love to get to train with him, he brings out the best in you. But just trying to get to know each other and see if I’m a good fit.

On paper, you fit quite well with Jalen Green. Looking at other guys on the roster — Jabari Smith Jr., Tari Eason — how do you pair with players like that?

I think I pair really well with all of those guys. I think we’re a big lineup that can lock up on defense. I think getting Jabari and Jalen easier, wide-open looks, their 3-point percentage is going to go up. They’re going to be utilized in a better way. I think that’s just what we need, and I need them too.

You’ve mentioned the need to create more efficient looks for others on numerous occasions. Why does that resonate so much with you?

When you have so many talented players in Houston, I might not always be the best option — we have so many options. Jalen, KPJ, Jabari, Alperen Şengün. Being able to get my guys looks and making them happy, I just feel like that’s what’s best.

A lot has been said about your jump shot. What can you say about it right now, and how can you improve it?

Improving everyday, I’m just trying to get better. Become a better shooter. It’s going to take time. But I put in work, so I’m not worried about that. I know I’m going to be a great shooter. Just going to get to my strengths until then.

(Looking) at the film from OTE, seeing you attack in transition and get downhill is clearly a strength of yours. But where do you think you excel the most?

I think I excel the most in transition. And just turning defense into offense. On the fast break, I feel like nobody can really stop me.

Any conversations with new head coach Ime Udoka? I know there’s a certain style he likes to run and the sort of culture he wants to establish, also going with the intangibles you bring to the table.

I’m looking forward to having more conversations with him. I’m going to try to get his number right now. We haven’t really talked about that, but I know he’s a winner. I’m a winner. And I want to be a part of a winning franchise.

What about the whole pre-draft process stood out to you the most? Just getting to Houston, seeing the facilities, speaking with all the individuals and envisioning what it could be down the line?

I love the city. I love the culture around the city. I don’t know, for some reason, I’ve been envisioning myself as a Rocket for a minute now. And I’m not even just saying that ’cause I went to the Rockets. But I don’t know, I feel like it’s meant to be. It’s destiny.

How do you see yourself playing off a center like Şengün? How can the two of you amplify each other’s skillsets?

He’s a great playmaker. I feel like the easiest way to make plays is out of the high post. A lot of backdoor cuts, and we have the athletic guys to throw lobs, run and having as many playmakers on the court as possible. We probably got like four or five now. That’s how the new game’s gone.

You take defending very seriously. In a day and age where that doesn’t make a highlight reel or Instagram clip, why is that side of the ball so important to you?

I think defense wins games. That’s all I was taught when I was younger, just play defense. So that’s what I’m looking forward to bringing at a high level.