Amen Thompson - Point [Forward or Guard?]

Playing time does not equal development. Otherwise Jalen would be the most developed player on this team while a guy who kept getting yanked all the time in Sengun would've floundered. Amen barely playing for half a season didn't prevent him from stepping up in Sengun's absence late last year. And Tari missing most of last season should've made him way behind Jabari in terms of development. The idea that gifting players minutes will magically make them better is something fans tend to believe but doesn't really happen in reality. Development is often behind the scenes and non-linear and not dependent on whether a guy plays 20mpg instead of 30mpg for X number of games in a season.

 

Amen is incredible. His defense is the closest I've seen since prime Kawhi. He is really super fun to watch.

 

This team is coming together nicely. They should be pretty salty by January.

 

He is on the path to be included in one of the all defensive teams.

 

And his jumper is becoming somewhat reliable. I never expected that.

 

One thing I gotta mention is it's definitely looking like we made the right call on the "which Thompson twin" question. Not totally fair to Ausar I guess, he landed in a much worse situation and has struggled more with injuries--but even still, looking at the data we have, Amen has undeniably been more valuable up to this point in their careers.

 

Wouldn't mind picking up Ausar later either.

DD

 

What an absolute hit by Stone with this guy. He’s just built different.

 

Title needs to be changed to: Amen Thompson--Basketball Player

 

We are fortunate to have 3 defensive aces with Amen, Eason, and Brooks... but Amen's quickness, athleticism, and defensive instincts are on a level that I've never seen. Amen and Eason's step forward this year is a HUGE part of why this team has 14 wins in 20 games. Really impressed with them both.

 

He definitely would’ve drafted scoot Henderson if we had the third pick and not fourth.

 

Ausar is purposely tanking his value so he can join us

 

his timing on defense is impeccable. whether it be blocking or go for the steal. he already got his defense timing down and it's only his 2nd year

 

He doesn’t have “a” position, he is the position!

DJ Khaled voice

 

During the season, young players will develop faster if given meaningful minutes. There is little time for practice in an NBA season, that's why the Rockets utilize the G-league so much. I agree that the development of players is non-linear, but more minutes against nba starters is essential for this team that has to make money decisions sooner rather than later.

 

The last 10 games, Amen is averaging 15/8 on 63/50/70 splits while playing amazing defense. Fantastic stuff all around.