It’s very rare, and it may even be a first: Monday, for the presentation of the Rockets rookies, there was a rookie from the… Pistons! It will be understood, Ausar Thompson, selected in 5th position by the Pistons, was present in Houston for the press conference of his brother Amen, chosen in 4th position by the Rockets. At their side, their entire family, with dad, mom and their big brother.
“Anyone who knows me knows that for the past 14 years I have always said they were going to be in the NBA and that they would be one to watch”, said Troy Thompson Jr., the older brother of Amen and Ausar. ” They are very particular. Amen’s career will be a movie. I don’t want to jinx him, but I’m going to get wet and say it’ll be… good for him, good for the city and good for the basketball. I think they will be among the best basketball players in history”.
What happens is surreal, but it was expected
On the mother’s side, we admit that we don’t know much about the NBA. On the other hand, Maya Thompson is proud of their success and development. “They are extremely determined, focused, simply unique and mature”, she confided. “It’s something I’m discovering more and more. I observe them in these situations, how they are able to control their feelings, their positions, to be thoughtful, considerate, to be a team player and to be humble”.
A year ago, their dad had predicted that they would both be chosen in the Top 3 of the Draft. He wasn’t far wrong, and his twins still made history. “We were all there, together, to set up this project” assures Troy Thompson Sr. “We said to ourselves, ‘If you want to do this, this is what you have to do.’ What happens is surreal, but it was expected. It’s not like we’re surprised they went to the NBA, because that was their goal. They have steadily improved over the years. The NBA is the beginning of the end goal.
And maybe in their plans, there is the objective, one day, to play together again. In the NBA. In the meantime, they will learn to live without each other. “I think we will adapt. It might be a bit difficult, but I think we’ll get through it. I know I’ll get through this. I’ll call him by FaceTime,” Ausar replied on Draft night.
