Player Cards make up a critical aspect of our NBA Player Profiles at Delay of Game Hoops. Because of that, it’s time to put them more at the forefront, mainly because there are different editions (of them) that come about each season.
For instance, Off SZN Cards are composed of that player’s most recent stop (whether it is college, overseas/G League/Overtime Elite), combined with the background of their new squad and their corresponding DogTag (bucket-getter, hi-flyer, sniper, etc.).
For new rooks entering the league, it’s a sort of rite of passage: think of it as the very first rendition of their “Rookie Card” if you were to hold it as a physical item.
Amen Thompson, Houston’s #4 overall pick in the 2023 Draft (this past Thursday) has a Player Card that features his Overtime Elite “headshot,” the Rockets’ red background & his “Rook (R)” DogTag for the 2023-24 season.
Here’s a look at where he’s placed on Houston’s “roster hierarchy” heading into the year:
AMEN THOMPSON
#4 Overall Pick (2023)
Now, maybe he won’t outperform vets like KJ Martin or Jae’Sean Tate in ‘23-’24 but his offseason/preseason placement is a predictor of where he might end up by year’s end - sometimes, a prospect (or newly acquired player) is just that good and you know (for sure) they definitely slot in as a “top-line” player (or close to it).
Similar to Tari Eason from a season ago, Amen Thompson has all the tools to have a strong rookie season, despite not having a clear opportunity to join the starting five, as the roster is currently constructed.
He’s someone to really keep an eye on in Summer League - his open-court game and impressive court vision should be on prime display.