Prospects hoping to fulfill their dream of playing in the NBA come from all sorts of different places and programs.
Amen Thompson, one of my favorite prospects in recent memory, looks destined to be the highest draft selection in the (brief) history of Overtime Elite.
Thompson filled up the stat sheet during his first season with the Atlanta-based basketball league, averaging 14.0 points, 6.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists, 2.1 steals and 1.4 blocks. In this profile, we’ll take a closer look at the 6’6” (maybe 6’7”?) guards game and where he may end up come June.
Related:
The Good
Offense
- Finishing, can play above the rim but also has craft/touch
- Good vision, creative passer
Defense
- Elite defender, stocks gatherer, 2.1 steals and 1.4 blocks
- Quick hands, will snatch at any moment
The Bad
Offense
- Has a long way to go as a shooter from all levels
- Turnover prone, though expected from a young guard
Defense
- Can gamble too much
Projected Draft Range
The general consensus seems to put Amen Thompson somewhere in the two-to-five range. If it were me, he wouldn’t make it past the second pick.
Comparisons
I haven’t been able to come up with a comparison for Amen just yet, but my HoopSocial colleague Jordan Ennis has. Ron Artest on defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on offense? Sign me up, baby.
Ideal Fits
As a fan of the Utah Jazz fan, you know I have to start with… the Utah Jazz. Please. I would do many things to see this kid in the recently rebranded black and yellow.
On a serious note, the Jazz are just one of many ideal fits. Houston, San Antonio and Utah would probably be my top three situations for him. At the end of the day though, any lottery team could and should make it work with Amen.
Zachary Padmore
Zachary Padmore is a self proclaimed “basketball junkie” from New York. He’s also an amateur NBA Draft scout and avid Utah Jazz fan. You can follow him on Twitter at @ZP12Hoops.