Not sure if you are talking about right now or going forward. I am with you, that this is his second biggest weakness (behind shooting). But that also is really expected. He had two major question marks coming into the draft: can he develop an outside shot and can he play inside a system. He never really did that, the play he is used to is erratic with bad defenders. Still his biggest strength were his vision and playmaking. So I think we should throw him into these situations that maybe overwhelm him, simply because he has to learn how to handle pressure and how to slow down and play within a system. I definetly see him as a PG and can live with mistakes along the way. I also want a playin spot, but way more important to me is setting this team up for future success. And I think getting Amen ready to be the lead guard and playmaker is essential for that.
I think we drafted him knowing it's a project to tear down his 3pt shot and build it from scratch asap so that it frees him up in the future. I'm not worried about it because I see him as a diligent kid in good hands. People will freak out because it won't be linear, but his 3pt shot will be perfectly fine in 2-3 years. That's just how long it's going to take, and it will be worth it.
One thing I always look for when it comes to Amen Thompson is his reads...most times he makes the right plays. He has good vision, just needs more time with the ball in his hand. He can be very special if he develops a good jump shot.
Having a PG that can break down a defense and get to the rim is such a necessity. FVV being ranked 51st in the league in drives per game limits the offense. Amen was getting to the cup at will and was actually banging with bigs down there. Once that becomes a bullet point on defensive gameplans it will create more open looks.
If he is going to be a starter, this team must be built on Amen, otherwise he should not play. The only way for a player who cannot shoot to remain on the court is to build the team around him. As long as he is Amen, the opponents will not always defend him in the offense they will give him space.
If a 20 year old rookie who doesn't have lead ball handler level handles yet can only be on the court if he is the focal point on the offense, that's bad. Amen is a robust talent in that he can positively effect the game even without the ball because of the combo of his size, athleticism and IQ. So I disagree that he has to be the focal point to be effective.
I’m still on the fence about Whitmore. He has to show me more to convince me that he can me more than just a spark scorer. Amen, though? I’m all in.
I agree, but after a while he will start to be talked about like Ben Simmons because he can't shoot, which will affect the player mentally. If Amen is on the court, there must be 3 shooting players on the court.
Amen is our PG of the future and needs as much experience as we can feed him this year. He and Jalen were the only reason we were in that game last night. Amen is already elite at defense, rebounding, and court vision. His shot will come along slowly and in my mind be built from the inside out. If he can develop his mid-level shooting it won't matter if it takes 2-3 years for his 3 pointer to come around. I think the injuries to Jabari, Brooks, and Tari screwed our chances at the play-in unless 2 out LA, GS, and Utah have a major injury to their stars. The refs will not let us overtake them otherwise even if Tari gets back.
The handle wasn't tight when he joined the Rockets, it wasn't really weak - it just wasn't as crisp as it needs to be, and that is largely because he never really faced older players or NBA ready players. So he has started to adjust, and he will continue to adjust his handle. I don't think that it will be a problem. As for his shooting, I am not sold he will ever be an NBA average three point shooter, maybe if he gets stronger. However I do think that he can become a good mid range shooter and likely can develop a good turn around. Athletically he is just really elite, and his functional length is excellent. His attitude is really strong as well. I have heard he can be a little socially awkward and serious - but that the players respect him and he gets along with everyone.
You do realize that some players NEVER become good shooters? Right now his shot is as bad as any NBA player I’ve ever seen. He has a hard time even hitting the rim. He’s been playing basketball his entire life, so it’s not like he just started playing last week. Furthermore, the Rockets have already been working with him since last summer. Any improvement at all? Look, it’s not impossible for him to become a decent shooter. Other players have learned to shoot. But, it’s just not something we can assume.
Ben Simmons had a very bad attitude and work ethic, going back to his mid teens. He skipped class at LSU and was out of shape as a freshman, his team didn't even make the NCAA tournament. Ben Simmons also has been mentally weak. Amen Thompson is known for having a strong work ethic and loves basketball. He has already tangibly improved since the season started as a mid range shooter and ball handler. I would not assume that Amen will not improve as a shooter, nor would I assume that he will be impacted mentally. The Rockets are looking for shooters anyway.
No one should assume anything about a player until they actually do it. Having said that, Thompson is a markedly better mid range shooter than a three point shooter. From 3, it looks like he needs to get stronger, it looks like he is putting a lot of effort into shooting from that far. Some of that will improve as he gets stronger, but even if he never develops a three point shot, he can be a star if he can hit mid range shots and fadeaways - which he has shown some talent for. Players with his quickness, athleticism and length at the guard position usually figure it out, especially if they have the feel and coordination to dribble effectively and move laterally.
Heaven Cent didn't get his first double double as a pg until his 9th start. https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/hardaan01/gamelog/1994 Amen could average a double for breakfast. I really don't mind if my pg can't shoot 3s if he can play the point. The problem with a guy like Westbrook is he thought he was a three point specialist. Just do what you do, Amen.
