Ime Udoka believes the Rockets has the player Kyrie Irving caliber.
The Houston Rockets have for years promoted their bright future. Well, after an incredible 50+ victory season, the Rockets can say that the future is here.
They have created a very strong roster and have a healthy balance with young players and craft veterans. Dillon Brooks has been receiving a lot of criticism from media members, but Rocket is a very solid team.
But no player has probably been more praised than Amen Thompson. The sophomore has evolved into a powerful two-way player.
Many have supported Thompson as a playoff breakout player. But Ime Udoka thinks he looks like the greatest player ever coached he once coached.
Read more: Ime Udoka claims that one La Lakers player will change everything for their opponents, that’s not any of their big threes
Speaking to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, Rockets head coach Ime Udoka praised Amen Thompson.
He said Thompson reminded him of many of the Kyrie Irving, who Udoka worked with as Brooklyn’s assistant coach. He compared Irving’s offensive skill set to Thompson’s defensive skill set.
“When you coach Kylie (Irving, Brooklyn), you’ll be surprised at how he made offensive every night. That’s the same as the defensive Amen. You can’t tell him what he’s doing.”
Irving is considered one of the NBA’s most skilled and offensive players. So if Thompson has a similar level on the defensive side, we can see future defensive players this year.
There are a lot of players the Rockets rely on against the Warriors. But there’s nothing more important than their best defender, Amen Thompson.
Thompson recently closed Stephen Curry on a much defensive outing. Curry went out of his way to praise Thompson for his performance.
Thompson believed that one of his teammates helped him with the assignment. But humility aside, Thompson is too important for the Rockets.
Combatting against the motivated, lively warrior side, Amen Thompson must do his best to make Stephen Curry’s life difficult.