2023 NBA Draft Live Tracker: Grading every pick made

2023 NBA Draft grade: No. 4 pick Amen Thompson, Houston Rockets

Grade: A

Nailed it. The Houston Rockets will have decisions to make if James Harden ultimately signs in free agency, but Amen Thompson brings playmaking talent and size to the Rockets’ backcourt — not to mention elite elite athleticism. He and Jalen Green could field their own dunk contest.

Thompson struggles with his perimeter jumper and will have to beat sagging defenders in the NBA, but he’s basically a walking paint touch who can beat even the most well prepared defenses with his stop-start handles and Ferrari-esque acceleration. He has elite hang time and finesse around the rim.

He will also help the Rockets’ perimeter defense as a switchable 6-foot-7 guard who can guard 1-4 in most matchups. He frequently explodes into passing lanes and subsequently gets out on the fast break, where he thrives.

From our NBA Draft Big Board:

"At 6-foot-7, Amen Thompson is the most impressive athlete in the draft. The main knock against him will be the lack of high level competition at Overtime Elite, opposed to his piers who are facing collegiate or professional competition. That said, Thompson possesses unique size and explosiveness for a lead ball-handler, and he might be the best passer on the board. He needs to get more consistent from 3-point range, but Thompson is a gifted finisher with the handles and shiftiness needed to break down defenders at the next level. He can finish with power or finesse around the rim and he’s electric in the open court, where his speediness and playmaking are on full display. He can also guard multiple positions."