Amen Thompson, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is set to make his return from injury on Wednesday, playing with the Rio Grande Valley Vipers against the OKC Blue.
After playing just four games for the Rockets to start the season, Thompson suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for the last several weeks.
In four NBA games, he averaging 6.2 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists while shooting 41% overall and just 17% from beyond the arc.
It will be a must-watch return for Thompson, who was the team’s highest-profile draftee last season.
He’ll undoubtedly command on-ball, developmental reps with the Vipers, showcasing his high-flying athleticism, premier passing and ever-improving shooting.
With the Rockets sitting at 8-8 and ninth in the Western, there’s a chance Thompson could spend a decent chunk of time with RGV in order to prioritize his on-ball without the hindrance of current mainstays Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green and more.
Thompson will play alongside Cam Whitmore, who’s yet to crack the Rockets rotation, but has been a premier player for the Vipers in their latest slate.
The tandem should feature enough athleticism for most starting fives.
Thompson’s twin, Ausar, has been a revelation for the Detroit Pistons this season despite no team success, stuffing the staff sheet on a near-nightly basis.
The Vipers and Blue tip off from Paycom Center on Tuesday and Wednesday, with Houston’s young up-and-coming duo only set to play the latter date.
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