2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Amen Thompson

Scouting Simplified

Written: 5/20/23

Profile:

Position: (PG) Point Guard

School: Overtime Elite

Birth Date: 1/30/03

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 209

Wingspan: 6-10

Collegiate Stats:

PPG: 16.4 FG%: 56.8% 3pt%: 23.3% FT%: 64.6%

RPG: 6.4

APG: 6.2

BPG: 0.8

SPG: 2.4

TPG: 3.2

MPG: 28.2

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Strengths:

- Playmaking

- Great size and Athleticism

- Finishing ability

- Defensive instincts/versatility

- Transition game

Weaknesses:

- Shooting concerns/projections

- Turnover prone

- Consistency

Extended Analysis & Projection:

Potentially the biggest boom or bust of this year's draft, Amen Thompson is an acquired taste for many NBA fans, but there's no doubting he's a highlight waiting to happen. At 6'7" with a 6-11 wingspan and above-the-rim athleticism, he certainly has the tools for success in the NBA.

As the PG for the Overtime Elite, Thompson regularly showcased physical ability that vaulted him into contention for a top-5 pick. He's a transition nightmare with his size and speed. When he puts his head down, there's not much anyone can do to stop him from getting to the rim. When he wasn't finishing those plays at the bucket, his vision would shine. Thompson has full-court vision and a knack for putting his teammates in great positions to score. In the half-court, he's adept at drawing defenders into the paint for easy kick-outs to open shooters. This is a player who puts constant stress on a defense not to fall asleep

Defensively, Thompson is a phenomenal chess piece with his size and instincts. He commonly walls off defenders with great lateral agility and makes life difficult on smaller guards. He’s very capable of switching and defending the perimeter at a high level. Off the ball, Thompson showcased a talent for jumping passing lanes and turning these steals into highlight plays. The key here will be improving his strength and staying disciplined as an off-ball defender so as not to put his teammates in poor positions.

Where audiences are split on Thompson is his upside due to his poor perimeter shooting. While 23.3% from 3-point land is an eye-sore, the big concern comes from his 64.6% free throw shooting. A key stat in projecting outside shooting ability over the years has been free throw percentage, and with these numbers, it's fair to have concern. Thompson's shooting ability will be the swing skill that determines how good he can be at the NBA level. 

Beyond shooting, turnovers have also plagued Thompson over his most recent campaign, averaging 3.2 per game. I don't see much cause for concern here as a player who has the ball in their hands as much as Thompson will typically have inflated numbers, and at this stage of his development, you’d much rather have him playing on the ball than off it offensively. 

No matter where you sit on Amen Thompson's current game, there's no doubt he's a high-ceiling, low-floor prospect. While a common comparison has been Ja Morant, I think of a slightly bigger Dejounte Murray. I believe Thompson may have a similar career arc as we've seen with Murray. It might take him a minute to adjust, and his shooting needs work, but the tools are all there. If his shooting develops, watch out. Look for Amen to be drafted anywhere from picks four to ten.