Amen Thompson outlined his objectives for the upcoming NBA season, and in doing so, gave himself a title that some gamers will doubtless push again on.
One of many brightest spots for the Houston Rockets final season was the expansion and improvement of Amen Thompson.
The #4 total choose within the 2023 NBA Draft developed into a superb two-way participant final yr, and performed a giant half within the Rockets incomes the #2 seed within the West and profitable 52 video games.
Many consider Thompson goes to make groups wrestle subsequent season, as he has developed into among the best perimeter defenders within the NBA.
In truth, some have even backed Thompson to win the Most Improved Participant award. However in response to the participant himself, he has a special accolade in thoughts.
Amen Thompson, together with the remainder of the Houston Rockets, spoke to Sports activities Illustrated for a current function, the place they outlined their objectives.
When Thompson’s flip got here, he admitted that he needed to win the Defensive Participant of the 12 months award, even calling himself the very best defender within the NBA.
“I simply do regardless of the crew wants me to do. I really feel like I’m very versatile. They want me to be a frontrunner? I can try this. They want me to be off-ball? I can try this. They want me to be on-ball? I can try this.
“DPOY is unquestionably a purpose of mine. I really feel like I’m the very best defender within the league!”
One would possibly surprise what each Rudy Gobert and Evan Mobley consider these feedback, as they’re the final two gamers to win the Defensive Participant of the 12 months award and have earned their reputations.
There isn’t any denying that Amen Thompson is a superb defender. Followers received to see how elite he’s when Thompson guarded Stephen Curry with nice success within the playoffs.
Even the famous person was impressed, as Curry known as Thompson a ‘drawback’ on the defensive finish. To have the ability to guard one of many best gamers in historical past at such a younger age is exceptional.
However Thompson’s feedback present that his confidence in himself is bordering on vanity. Whereas he is a superb defender, he hasn’t performed sufficient to warrant the title of finest defender within the NBA.
It’s good to be assured in a single’s skill. However Thompson can not simply anoint himself the very best till he proves it on a nightly foundation below the brightest lights.
