Last summer at the draft lottery, the Rockets only managed to secure the fourth pick. In the subsequent draft, popular prospects Wenyama and Henderson were selected in the top three spots. The Rockets had to choose between the Thompson brothers during their tryouts, ultimately selecting the older twin, Amen Thompson, with the fourth pick, while the Pistons took his younger brother, Ausar Thompson, with the fifth pick.
In his rookie season, Amen Thompson performed averagely, averaging 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.3 steals per game, with a shooting percentage of 53.6% and a dismal three-point percentage of just 13.8%. As an outside player, he had almost no three-point ability, and his mid-range shooting was also uncertain, scoring mainly through put-backs or fast-break layups. His younger brother, Ausar Thompson, had similar stats, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 1.1 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, with a shooting percentage of 48.3% and a three-point percentage of 18.6%. Both brothers lacked a significant outside shooting threat, but Amen Thompson had ball-handling and organizing abilities, leaning towards a swingman role. On the other hand, Ausar Thompson had stronger rebounding and blocking skills, leaning more towards a forward position.
This new season, Amen Thompson began to fulfill his potential, with his numbers improving as his average playing time increased. He is now averaging 12.1 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks per game, still coming off the bench. His three-point shooting has improved to 29%, and he is taking more decisive mid-range shots in games. What's even more impressive is Amen Thompson's top-tier defensive capabilities. When he and Ison come off the bench together, it's a nightmare for opponents, with steals, blocks, rebounds, and fast-break dunks aplenty. The sophomore Amen Thompson has even been deemed untouchable by the team.
Despite being identical twins, they have different fates despite their similar looks. Older brother Amen Thompson is full of life, while younger brother Ausar Thompson left the court due to thrombosis issues in March. It wasn't until November 26th this year that he was allowed to return to the court. However, since the Pistons used the same fifth pick in the summer to select another forward, Holland, and signed Tobias Harris, Ausar Thompson returned not only to lose his starting position but also to receive very limited playing time off the bench. He could only average about ten minutes of playing time per game, with an average of 5.6 points and 3 rebounds.
But because the Rockets management tasted the sweetness of Amen Thompson, they tried out Ausar Thompson and knew that Ausar had the same abilities as Amen. Therefore, if there was an opportunity, they wanted to obtain Ausar Thompson, who was not favored by the Pistons. Imagine the Rockets forming a lineup of Amen Thompson, Dillon Brooks, Ausar Thompson, Ison, and Jabari Smith; the infinite switching defense capabilities of these five would be terrifying for the Rockets.
However, today, due to Tobias Harris' injury absence, Ausar Thompson regained the starting opportunity, and it was this battle that completely shattered the Rockets' fantasies. In this game, Ausar Thompson shot 8-for-14, made 1-of-3 three-pointers, scored 19 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, made 4 steals, and blocked 1 shot, excelling on both offense and defense, and helping the Pistons defeat the Heat. After seeing such a performance from Ausar, the Pistons are likely to consider him untouchable as well, making it almost impossible for the Rockets to acquire him.