Amen Thompson Injury Update: What Happened to Amen Thompson?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Jul 10, 2023
Who is Amen Thompson?
Amen Thompson is a rising star in the realm of basketball. With boundless passion and undeniable talent, he has taken the hardwood by storm, capturing the attention of fans and scouts alike. Born on January 30, 2003, this young prodigy hails from the land of dreams, the United States of America. Embracing the game with every fiber of his being, Amen honed his skills at Pine Crest School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There, he left a lasting impression, dazzling the court with his awe-inspiring abilities.
ESPN recognized his extraordinary talent, bestowing upon him the prestigious five-star recruit rating. And the accolades didn't stop there. In a remarkable display of dedication and determination, Thompson propelled his team to glory, seizing a state championship title. His unwavering spirit and unrivaled skill set made him a force to be reckoned with, as he left his opponents in awe and etched his name into the annals of high school basketball history.
But Amen's journey was far from over. In a bold and audacious move, he chose to forgo his senior year of high school, opting instead to embark on a new chapter. The basketball gods smiled upon him as he signed with Overtime Elite (OTE), a league that embraces extraordinary talent and fosters their growth. With OTE, Thompson's star continued to rise, illuminating the path to greatness. In an exhilarating display of sheer dominance, Amen led his team to triumph, capturing the league title.
His contributions were unmatched, earning him the prestigious honor of being named to the All-OTE First Team in 2023. The basketball world stood in awe as he showcased his skills and ignited the court with his fiery passion. Finally, the pinnacle of his journey awaited him—the 2023 NBA draft. The Houston Rockets, recognizing his exceptional potential, selected him with the fourth overall pick. A roar of excitement reverberated through the basketball universe as they welcomed this extraordinary talent into their ranks. With his twin brother, Ausar Thompson, sharing the love for the game, Amen's path intertwined with destiny, a bond that transcended blood.
Amen Thompson Injury Update
According to reports from The Athletic by Kelly Iko and Shams Charania, Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for the Houston Rockets, suffered a left ankle injury during his NBA Summer League debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. The Rockets are taking a cautious approach with Thompson's injury and are expected to keep him out for the remainder of the Summer League. As a precautionary measure, Thompson is scheduled to undergo an MRI on his left ankle.
The injury occurred with around a minute left in the game when the Trail Blazers had possession of the ball. Shaedon Sharpe attempted a three-pointer, which missed, and Ibou Badji grabbed the offensive rebound and attempted a layup. Thompson, displaying his defensive prowess, met Badji at the rim and blocked the shot, but unfortunately sprained his ankle in the process. Immediately after the play, Thompson grabbed his left ankle, and Rockets personnel rushed onto the court to assess his condition. Despite hobbling, Thompson managed to walk off the court. He did not return to the game, which the Rockets ultimately won by a score of 100-99.
In a post-game interview with Locked On Rockets, Thompson described feeling "pretty sore" after his Summer League debut. Despite his injury, he praised the team's performance, stating that they looked much better in the game compared to their previous practices. Thompson highlighted their ball movement and expressed satisfaction with their overall performance. As of now, the exact severity of Thompson's ankle injury is yet to be determined pending the results of the upcoming MRI. The Rockets will likely take a cautious approach and prioritize his recovery to ensure his long-term health and development.
What Happened to Amen Thompson?
Amen Thompson, the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft for the Houston Rockets, suffered a left ankle injury during his NBA Summer League debut against the Portland Trail Blazers. Towards the end of the game, Thompson went up to block a shot by Ibou Badji, but in the process, he sprained his left ankle. He immediately grabbed his ankle in pain and had to leave the game. Despite being able to walk off the court, he was visibly hobbling and did not return to the game.
An MRI revealed the extent of Thompson's injury, which will likely result in him being sidelined for the remainder of the Summer League. The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Thompson landed awkwardly while attempting to block a shot. Despite his injury, he had a productive game, contributing 16 points, five assists, and four rebounds in 28 minutes of play. Before his injury, Thompson had an impressive performance, contributing 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and four blocks. He shot 6-13 from the field and committed only two turnovers.
Jabari Smith Jr. led the Rockets with 33 points, seven rebounds, and two assists, while Tari Eason recorded 20 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Cam Whitmore, another rookie, contributed 14 points, 11 rebounds, and two steals. On the Trail Blazers' side, the second overall pick, Scoot Henderson, suffered a shoulder injury but managed to contribute 15 points, five rebounds, and six assists.
Both players' injuries will be closely monitored as they progress through their respective recovery processes. The Blazers are set to face the San Antonio Spurs in their next Summer League game, while the Rockets will go up against the Detroit Pistons, who drafted Amen Thompson's twin brother, Ausar Thompson, with the fifth overall pick.
Amen Thompson Early Life
Amen Thompson is a native of San Leandro, California, was brought into this world by the loving parents Maya Wilson and Troy Thompson. Growing up alongside his identical twin brother, Ausar, they shared a unique bond that went beyond blood. To showcase their potential and inner strength, their middle name "XLNC" (pronounced excellence) was bestowed upon them, signifying their inherent power.
Within their family, the love for sports ran deep. Thompson's older brother, Troy Jr., made a name for himself on the college basketball courts, representing Prairie View A&M. Even their uncle, Mark Thompson, left a mark in the realm of athletics, representing Jamaica in the 400-meter hurdles at the esteemed 1992 Summer Olympics. From a young age, Thompson and his twin brother Ausar began their basketball journey under the watchful eye and guidance of their father.
The love and admiration they held for LeBron James served as a wellspring of inspiration, igniting their passion for the game. Driven by their shared dreams, the twins devoted themselves to training, their unwavering commitment fueling their progress. As early as seven years old, they were honing their skills on the court, guided by the wisdom and support of their father.
Their basketball journey was not without sacrifices. In pursuit of excellence, the twins embarked on a homeschooling journey during their sixth and seventh grades, allowing them to dedicate more time and energy to their beloved sport.
With a supportive family behind them and a shared determination, Amen and Ausar Thompson embarked on a journey that would forever shape their lives. The story of these extraordinary twins, born to rise above the ordinary, stands as a testament to the power of family, dedication, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.
Amen Thompson Career
Amen Thompson's basketball journey began when he and his family made a move to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This relocation was driven by the desire for Thompson and his twin brother, Ausar, to play high school basketball a year early at Pine Crest School. The twins wasted no time making an impact, immediately securing starting positions on the team.
High School Career
Thompson's sophomore season showcased his talents, as he averaged an impressive 16.9 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, earning him All-County honorable mention. As a junior, he continued to shine, averaging 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game. Thompson's outstanding performance led Pine Crest School to a Class 4A state championship, where he played a pivotal role in a thrilling double-overtime victory.
Thompson's stellar high school career attracted attention from college programs nationwide. He garnered recognition as a five-star recruit by ESPN and a four-star recruit by Rivals. Offers poured in from esteemed institutions such as Alabama, Arizona, Auburn, Arizona State, and Kansas. Despite the significant interest, Thompson ultimately decided to take a different path and forgo college basketball.
Professional Career in Overtime Elite
Choosing a unique route, Thompson signed a two-year contract with Overtime Elite (OTE), a professional league based in Atlanta. This bold move allowed him to bypass his final year of high school and college, believing that it would provide the best preparation for his NBA aspirations. In the 2021-22 OTE season, Thompson played for Team OTE, showcasing his skills and versatility. He averaged 14 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 steals per game, competing against a variety of opponents. Thompson's contributions helped his team secure a runner-up finish in the league, and he continued his journey by representing OTE affiliate Team Overtime in The Basketball Tournament.
Joining the City Reapers and OTE Recognition
In the following OTE season, Thompson joined forces with his twin brother once again as they played together for the City Reapers. Ausar, serving as team captain, selected Thompson with the first pick in the league's draft. Throughout the season, Thompson showcased his prowess on the court, earning recognition as the OTE Player of the Week. His remarkable performance, which included 22 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and five steals, propelled his team to victory. Thompson continued to impress, averaging 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 5.9 assists, and 2.3 steals per game during the regular season. His exceptional contributions earned him a spot on the All-OTE First Team.
NBA Journey with the Houston Rockets
The culmination of Thompson's journey came with the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Houston Rockets selected him with the fourth overall pick. This momentous occasion held extra significance as it occurred just one pick ahead of his twin brother, Ausar. The Thompson brothers became the first siblings in NBA draft history to be selected in the top 5 in the same year, marking a historic achievement. With this selection, Thompson embarked on his NBA journey, eager to make his mark with the Houston Rockets and contribute to their future success.
Amen Thompson Stats
2021-22 OTE Season
14
6.6
3.8
2.1
N/A
40.0%
2022-23 OTE Season
16.4
5.9
5.9
2.3
1.0
56.6%
Season
PPG
RPG
APG
SPG
BPG
FG%
Amen Thompson Injury Update - FAQs
Thompson suffered a left ankle injury while attempting to block a shot by Ibou Badji. He sprained his left ankle during the play and had to leave the game.
The exact severity of Thompson's ankle injury is yet to be determined. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI to assess the extent of the injury. However, reports suggest that the Houston Rockets are taking a cautious approach and are expected to keep him out for the remainder of the Summer League.
It is unlikely that Thompson will return to play in the Summer League due to his ankle injury. The Rockets are expected to prioritize his recovery and long-term health by keeping him sidelined for the remainder of the event.
Prior to his injury, Thompson had an impressive performance, contributing 16 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals, and four blocks. He showcased his all-around skills and made a significant impact on the game.
Thompson mentioned feeling "pretty sore" after his Summer League debut. However, he praised the team's performance, noting that they looked much better in the game compared to their previous practices. Thompson highlighted their ball movement and expressed satisfaction with the overall game they played.