Amen's the player I'm most excited about right now. He's just showing us glimpses of what he will be doing with more time on the court and NBA coaching.
He impacts the game so much without needing high usage. Active on defense, rebounds like a madman, gets out in transition, finishes at an elite level. There might be an adjustment period once teams start game planning for him more, but many of his strengths are not something you can plan for. I'm just praying that his jumper can improve because that's all he needs at the moment.
Ya he's good at defending if he wasn't he'd still be in the G League. He needs to work on handles, ball security and shooting. I'm much higher on Cam. With his killer attitude, shooting touch and athleticism he could be a superstar.
Cam could be that guy who takes over the reigns of the league. The Rockets would greatly benefit by showcasing Jalen Green the rest of the year (because no playoffs anyhow), trade him high and let Cam take over.
Amen does everything on the court but shooting while Cam gives you scoring but doesn't really do anything else. If Cam isn't hot on the court he doesn't really do anything for the team doesn't reb, doesn't defend and doesn't pass. Amen:15/10/2 54.5% FG with defensive highlights, +14 BPM Cam: 15/3/1 on 45% FG, -2 BPM It is pretty clear Cam has more things to work on than Amen.
If you could combine Cam's strength and shooting ability with Amen's... everything else you'd be in potential GOAT territory. Still, I like that their skillsets are pretty complimentary.
They're both rookies so there's a lot of time for them to both grow their games. Maybe Rox end up with 2 perennial all stars.
Ya know, Cam is pretty damn good at hitting those passing lanes and stripping the ball when one-on-one and like he said, defense was what Udoka told him to focus all his attention on. I have a good feeling about Cam's defensive acumen increasing very quickly. That shot is silky smooth and he's a powerhouse when attacking the rim. I just hope he can grow another inch or so before he is done growing, he's still just 19. A 6'8" or 6'9" Cam Whitmore would be hell on wheels. Could you imagine a lineup like this? P.G. - Amen Thompson (6-7) S.G - Cam Whitmore (6-9) S.F. - Jabari Smith Jr. (6-11) P.F. - 2024 Draft Pick ...C - Alperen Sengun (6-11) Whew! That's crazy length. Gone are the days of 6-4 Tate and 6-5 P.J. Thank the Lawd!
Defense is more than stealing balls, Cam is super aggressive on offense but avoids contact on defense and doesn't move his feet enough. Hopefully he works on his defense more, I suspect this is the reason why Ime benched him at the start of the season.
