Amen Thompson, the “stopper” of the Rockets • Basket USA

With 110.3 points collected on average out of 100 possessions, the Rockets finished the season in 5th place in Best defenses in the country. We knew that Ime Udoka was a defensive specialist, but he managed in two years to pass the franchise from 29th place at the top 5 of the country!

To help him in his task, there are veterans like Dillon Brooks and Steven Adams, but also young people very invested on this side of the field. Starting with Amen Thompson, whose versatility recalls that of a Shawn Marion, the former winger of the Suns.

“It's like I could control things, as if I was trying to master the situation” explains the twin of Ausarabout his duels in the face of the greatest attackers in the League. “You don't really focus on anything other than this duel. »»

Already in an all-nba defensive team?

Luka Doncic, Ja Morant or Stephen Curry and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander … Nothing scares Amen Thompson, whose qualities of “Two-Player” are underestimated. However, some already evoke his name in the All-Nba Defensive Teams at the end of the season when he was only 22 years old.

“He's always calm” Apprécie to make the world. “He has this little something that probably comes from his brother and their childhood. He is aware of what he wants to become. He learns quickly, does not repeat errors. »»

Leader of the Rockets with counters and interceptions, he is also the leader of the NBA for the percentage to the shots granted to his direct opponents: 40.7% according to the Houston Chronicle (minimum of nine shots taken). For him, this is the direct consequence of criticisms suffered on the evening of the draft.

A huge physical impact

“I always keep evidence,” continues Amen Thompson about what we wrote about him. “Before the draft, it was said that I had potential in defense, but that I was not yet there. I knew I was already an elite defender. »»

Capable of defending on all positions, it is the perfect complement of Dillon Brooks to hinder the best exterior in the country, forming with Tari Eason an infernal duo, nicknamed the “Terror Twins” at the end of the bench.

“It's much easier this year. I know guys better. I know how to make them better, and they know how to make me better. he said about his teammates. For Will Hardy, “Amen is the perfect example of a young player who relies on his strengths. He has an impact on the game by his physique, his intensity, his defense, his cups. It's refreshing. »»

In the end, it only remains for him to progress in shooting to cross a course. Like Shawn Marion in his time.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.