Amen Thompson is the Rockets' REAL franchise player

Had to spend a pretty penny on his rookie card today lol

First rookie card ever

 

Ben Simmons is a weird one. I can see where there are some similarities--both being physically gifted and having a good natural feel for the game. But Simmons was more of a big man, a point-PF/C type, and not nearly as quick or as fast or as crazy of a leaper. It was more about size and strength and fluidity for him, which Amen also has, but to a slightly lesser degree in exchange for vastly superior run and jump talent.

The biggest difference is just playstyle, Amen has an insanely high motor and flies around the court and is constantly aggressive on both ends. Not afraid to shoot, always looking to attack. His assist rate is lower not because he has bad court vision but because he's so good at finishing and we have such a dearth of outside shooters that the best, most efficient option is usually just to take the shot himself.

 

Miller had a few fans. I won't name names, and they weren't entirely wrong, he looks like he'll be a good player... but Amen is just better.

 

My thoughts exactly. Ausar and Amen have natural chemistry and both are freak athletes. I think Tari/Reed and some picks could do it if the pistons are selling.

 

When Paolo, Wemby or Edwards walk into TD Garden and dismantle the Celtics on both sides of the ball let me know.

 

I don't really participate in conversations that pointlessly pit our young core against each other as I'm rooting for them all but...

Amen really is that guy. His ceiling is literally limitless because of his athleticism and feel for the game. I don't even care if he can shoot. He has that mindset that makes him a winner, straight up alpha.

 

There was just no way a dude named XLNC was not going to be a star. Like none.

 

Yep, astounding how laid back Simmons was at times and not wanting it.

 

Miller's off court issues scared off some people. I think Scoot was mostly projected to the the #2 pick. I thought Amen would be picked #3 if Charlotte didn't take Miller.

Miller turns out to be better than Scoot so far. But I won't write Scoot off just yet. We Rockets fans should have learned by now the lesson of not judging young players so fast. But there are still many people here making predictions like they have a crystal ball.

 

The only players I have seen with this kind of athleticism and size are LeBron and young McGrady. It is incredible that his mental makeup is also so good. He has the will like Kobe but without the negativity.

 

https://thef5.substack.com/p/amen-e...utm_medium=android&r=7obdg&triedRedirect=true

Watching Thompson create second chance points out of nothing has been one of the great joys of the 2024-25 NBA season.

 

Amen's last ten games: 19.2 points, 11.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 2.2 steals, 1.2 blocks, 57.4 FG%. During that stretch we played Memphis and Cleveland twice, Boston, Denver, and the Lakers. The only team we faced without a winning record was Washington. An absolutely brutal stretch of the season and he's stepped up huge.

 

Wemby is fine, and Edwards has proven himself. But if you are ‘clearly’ taking Paolo Banchero - an inefficient one-way player - over Amen, you are a moron. Paolo MAY be better over time, but it absolutely is not clear, and he has accomplished nothing yet.

 

The world is drooling over Amen.

 

The craziest play from last night's game was him running back to block a three point attempt by a Celtics player in the 4th quarter. Does anyone remember that?

 

I wouldn't take ANY of them over Amen. That includes Wemby.