Getty Image / Ethan Miller
The Houston Rockets are one of the most exciting young teams in the NBA. Yes, their record last year didn’t show it, but after taking Amen Thompson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft and adding former Raptors star guard Fred VanVleet in free agency, they look to be much improved.
Those two will join young studs Jabari Smith Jr., Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun to form a great core. And, we got to see some of that on display in Summer League action on Friday night. Take a look.
Highlights Jabari Smith Jr. 🆚 Blazers#Rockets | #NBA pic.twitter.com/0wNddKMGH5 https://t.co/xPAcif5aE8
— Back2Back (@B2BFR) July 8, 2023
Amen Thompson had a pretty impressive debut game
16 PTS
4 REB
5 AST
3 STL
4 BLK
27 minutesSuch a high level talent who showcased his value offensively and especially defensively pic.twitter.com/QmQU5YXZHp
— Pistons Draft Talk (@PDTScouting) July 8, 2023
But, Amen Thompson left his NBA Summer League debut with an ankle injury. And, while it’s not super serious, it’s going to end his summer.
An MRI revealed Rockets rookie guard Amen Thompson has a Grade 2 ankle sprain and will be out 3-4 weeks, a source told @andscape @espn. Thompson will be in a boot for a week and is expected to miss the rest of summer league after suffering the injury against Portland yesterday.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 8, 2023
Ultimately it won’t matter much in terms of his career outcome, but I was really looking forward to watching him and his twin, Ausar, who went one pick after Amen in the draft, play in the Summer League.