Draft 2023 | Introducing Amen Thompson (Overtime Elite)

There is probably no more atypical course than that ofAmen Thompson (and his twin brother Ausar), in this 2023 Draft. Originally from Oakland, California (like Damian Lillard or Jason Kidd), the young talent spent his first three years of high school in Florida, Fort Lauderdale, before shooting a note on his “senior” year to join, in 2021, the new program created the same year by the American company Overtime, specializing in the production of sports content on social networks: theOvertime Elitebased in Atlanta.

With the “Team OTE” during the 2021/22 campaign then the “City Reapers” this season, Ausar’s brother has therefore evolved over the past two years in a league still very little known to the general public, both in France and in the United States. UNITED STATES. A league whose quality of the level of play raises big questions but whose distribution, thanks to a partnership with Amazon, was nevertheless serious and made it possible to keep an eye on the player’s season.

Faced with dubious adversity, and it’s an understatement to say it, Amen Thompson therefore easily asserted himself as one of the greatest potentials of this cuvée, and as a certain “lottery pick” on Thursday evening.

Profile

Job : Leader
Size : 2m01
Weight : 92kg
Crew : City Reapers
Stats 2022/23: 16.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 5.9 assists.

Strong points

– A mind-blowing athlete. Across the Atlantic, some observers in the scouting sphere consider him the best athlete in this vintage, even ahead of Scoot Henderson because of his size. At 2m01 tall (for 92kg and a wingspan of 2m06), Amen Thompson is indeed a unique ball carrier because he is incredibly athletic. Leaping vertically, endowed with a supersonic first step, the young talent is a formidable space swallower and he particularly excels in transition. He therefore knows how to afford quick and easy baskets in the circle. Especially since it is sturdy and takes contacts quite well. This season, faced with the modest adversity offered in the Overtime Elite, he has also shot at 71% success in the circle! In the NBA, he will undoubtedly benefit from better spacing to excel even more in transition. On half-court, he is “easier” to defend because he is not yet dangerous behind the arc, but staying in front of him remains a complex mission as he is powerful, fast and explosive, like a Ja Morant for example.

– Huge defensive potential. With his athletic qualities and his physical tools, Amen Thompson indeed amazes with his defensive faculties. Especially on the ball carrier, that he can harass all terrain with his long segments, reactive support and very good mobility. Same thing at the “point-of-attack”, on a half-court defense. Also very alert in a collective defense, he anticipates the passing lines and has regularly concluded counter-attacks after an interception this season (2.3 interceptions per game). Regarding his transition to the NBA, his defense is clearly the easiest element of his game to project, as he is simply gifted physically and athletically, although his consistency in defensive effort can still improve.

– The creative qualities. A big defender, Amen Thompson is also a player with a strong offensive impact, by his creation. Both on transition, where he reminds Ben Simmons with his ability to do the right readings while he’s on the move, and on half-court, where his creativity is truly amazing. The images speak for themselves, and reveal an ability to find angles in all positions. This season in the weak OTE, he was running at 5.9 passes per game, and could quite equal this average from his “rookie” season in the NBA, with better “spacing” and better attackers around him.

Weak points

– No shooting yet. Ahead of his age for his athletic qualities, Amen Thompson is on the other hand very behind on certain crucial technical points, such as shooting. This season, for example, he shot at a weak 25% behind the arc on almost 3 shots / game, and arrived in the NBA as a non-shooter. In “catch-and-shoot” as in “pull-up”, it is currently not dangerous. The concern is the same for free throws, an exercise in which he has peaked at 66% this season. His concerns are mainly mechanical: his shooting gesture is “twisted” and lacks fluidity. Next year, he will certainly have to start all over again, with the help of the assistants in the staff of his future team.

– ball control. And in particular the frequent losses of leather: 3.2 per game this season! Very often, Amen Thompson, always eager to gallop, goes faster than the ball and loses control of it. However, there is reason to be optimistic about an improvement in this area. Firstly because he is an excellent creator and will become more effective over time, and secondly… because he will have no choice in the NBA. This season with the City Reapers, he was indeed not particularly on target and enjoyed great freedom in attack. Among the pros from the start of the school year, greater rigor will be imposed on him, and the boy will correct himself, no doubt.

Comparison

It makes one think sequentially of Ben Simmons (smaller), for the athletic qualities / “playmaking” / defense combo. Otherwise, his profile as a tall leader is also reminiscent of Josh Giddeyleaping more.

Prognosis

In the Top 5. Difficult to imagine the Rockets to ignore, in 4th position.

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