NBA Rookie power rankings: Does Houston Rockets' Amen Thompson crack top 5?

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4. Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Stats: 9.2 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, 2.4 assists per game

Finally, we got to the Houston Rocket.

Thompson almost didn't get here. For most of the season, his twin brother Ausar of the Detroit Pistons was keeping him off of rookie ladders. By now, it's clear that Thompson deserves this place.

He's lapping his brother in Box Plus/Minus (BPM) with a score of 1.5 compared to -2.2. He's also clear of his twin in Value Over Replacement Player (VORP): 1.1 vs -0.1.

Does Thompson benefit from playing for a more competitive Rockets team? Sure - but we're not going to penalize him for contributing to wins. Thompson is already a great defensive wing in the NBA. That alone is a bar that most rookies won't surpass.

*Except for Amen Thompson, who held Luka Doncic to 1-4 FG and a turnover in their matchup. But we already know Amen is something else defensively.

The Rockets might need to keep Amen on Luka in Dallas next week at all costs. https://t.co/v0aAqkLcfm pic.twitter.com/Bjo2bGnpWn
— Itamar (@Itamar_17_10) April 1, 2024

5. Jaime Jacquez Jr., Miami Heat

Stats: 12.1 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 2.6 assists per game

Speaking of producing for a winning team...

Jacquez Jr. is keeping the other Thompson twin off of our rookie ladder altogether. This wasn't a simple decision - Thompson is the more spectacular player. If we were redrafting here, we'd prioritize his upside by putting him ahead of Jacquez Jr. on our board.

That's not what we're doing. Jacquez Jr. deserves credit for contributing to one of last year's NBA Finalists. He plays a smart, low-risk brand of basketball that fits right into Miami's long-standing culture.

That's enough for him to earn a place on our rookie ladder.

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