Ryan Hollins didn’t hold back when talking about Amen Thompson, and the former NBA veteran made it clear why the Houston Rockets forward has become such an intriguing young player.
Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Hollins pointed to the parts of Thompson’s game that jump out first: the movement without the ball, the finishing at the rim and the defense. He also singled out the kind of attitude teams love to have around.
“Amen Thompson is a breath of fresh air. I wish I had five Amen Thompsons.
Because that I know he's coachable, moldable and I know what he leaves on the floor when he's out there. Not to mention, he's a freak of nature," said Hollins.
Hollins, who spent 10 seasons in the NBA and played for nine franchises, said it from the perspective of someone who’s seen a lot of different locker rooms. His longest run came in Charlotte, but his praise for Thompson was rooted in what the Rockets forward brings every night.
There’s a reason Thompson keeps drawing that kind of attention. At 23, he’s still early in his career, but he’s already flashed the all-around impact that makes people think bigger things are coming.
Last season, in his third NBA campaign, the former No. 4 overall pick put up 18.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 1.5 steals and 0.6 blocks across 79 appearances. He also finished second in the NBA in dunks.
The next step is the obvious one: the jump shot. Thompson still has room to grow there, and that’s the piece keeping the conversation centered on potential rather than arrival. If that part comes along, the superstar talk gets a lot louder.
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