The 2023 NBA Draft is a little over 24 hours away. One of the most beautiful things about this draft–other than the promising class– is how well it displays the different paths to the NBA.
In the drafts of yesteryear, you had to be a high school phenom like LeBron James or Kobe Bryant or play in college for at least one year. Of course, it was different for foreign prospects who typically played professionally in their respective continents before finding their way to the draft.
Today, avenues such as the NBA G League and Overtime Elite provide a path for aspiring NBA players without involving visas and school transcripts. That is the case for 20-year-old Amen Thompson.
The 6-foot-6, 215-pound standout from the Bay Area opted out of his final year of high school to fast-track to the pros. Thompson spent the past two years playing in Overtime Elite, with seasons split between Team OTE and City Reapers.
Playstyle and draft expectations
As a junior at Pine Crest High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Thompson averaged 20.5 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.4 rebounds. As a result, ESPN gave him a five-star recruit rating.
In his most recent season with the Reapers, he averaged a 16-6-6 stat line with at least two steals. Thompson helped lead his team to the OTE League Championship with a 3-0 sweep before declaring his enlistment to the draft.
Far from perfect, but Thompson has the potential as a well-rounded and athletic combo guard who contributes on both ends.
Welcome to Houston, Amen Thompson. https://t.co/M6kTXYoDP7 pic.twitter.com/HarrBk1lCI
— Bradeaux (@BradeauxNBA) June 19, 2023
The numbers are noteworthy, but for visuals, think Lonzo Ball with more finesse and without all the daddy drama. The two have identical builds. While the competition is much different, Thompson’s stats from OTE and Ball’s stats from UCLA almost mirror each other. You look at them and can immediately tell the similarities, the same flare with different arsenals from the same factory.
The key difference is Thompson’s jump shot at this age is much more polished than what was Ball’s unorthodox shot. Thompson also moves with more fluidity and command at this point– something that Ball had to learn once he was in the NBA.
Like Ball, Thompson could also be a boom-or-bust pick. How he transitions into the NBA would be interesting to see.
Thompson is projected to be the fourth pick by the Houston Rockets.