Should Rockets Start Amen Thompson Or Tari Eason?
The Houston Rockets are facing a tough decision regarding their starting lineup for the upcoming NBA season. Two young players, Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, have emerged as strong candidates to start at shooting guard alongside Jalen Green in the backcourt. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance during the preseason, but each brings a unique set of skills and attributes to the table.
Amen Thompson: A Dynamic Scorer and Playmaker
Amen Thompson is a 6’7″ shooting guard who was drafted by the Rockets with the 16th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played college basketball for the University of Georgia, where he was named the SEC Player of the Year in his sophomore season. Thompson is known for his exceptional scoring ability, both as a shooter and a driver. He has a quick release and a high release point, making it difficult for defenders to contest his shots. He is also a skilled passer and has shown good court vision and decision-making.
Strengths:
- Elite scoring ability: Thompson is a natural scorer who can create his own shot and get to the rim at will.
- Good shooter: He has a quick release and a high release point, making him a threat from beyond the arc.
- Skilled passer: Thompson has good court vision and decision-making, and he can make plays for others.
Weaknesses:
- Average defender: Thompson is not a great defender, and he can be exploited by quicker guards.
- Can be turnover-prone: Thompson can sometimes be careless with the ball, and he has a tendency to make bad decisions.
Tari Eason: A Defensive Stopper and Athletic Finisher
Tari Eason is a 6’8″ shooting guard who was drafted by the Rockets with the 17th overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He played college basketball for the University of Cincinnati, where he was named the AAC Defensive Player of the Year in his sophomore season. Eason is known for his exceptional defensive abilities, particularly his perimeter defense and shot-blocking. He is also a gifted athlete and has shown flashes of brilliance on the offensive end.
Strengths:
- Elite defender: Eason is one of the best defensive prospects in the NBA, and he can guard multiple positions.
- Good shot-blocker: Eason has a long wingspan and great timing, and he can block shots from anywhere on the court.
- Athletic finisher: Eason is a gifted athlete who can finish above the rim and dunk on opponents.
Weaknesses:
- Inconsistent shooter: Eason is not a great shooter, and he can be streaky from beyond the arc.
- Needs to improve his ball-handling: Eason can be turnover-prone, and he needs to improve his ball-handling skills.
Comparative Analysis
The following table compares the key strengths and weaknesses of Amen Thompson and Tari Eason:
| Characteristic | Amen Thompson | Tari Eason |
|---|---|---|
| Scoring | Elite | Good |
| Shooting | Good | Average |
| Passing | Good | Average |
| Defense | Average | Elite |
| Shot-blocking | Poor | Good |
| Athleticism | Good | Elite |
Conclusion
The decision of whether to start Amen Thompson or Tari Eason is a tough one for the Rockets. Both players bring unique strengths and weaknesses to the table, and there is no clear-cut answer. Ultimately, the Rockets will need to decide what they value more in their starting lineup: a dynamic scorer and playmaker or a defensive stopper and athletic finisher. If the Rockets want to be a top-scoring team, then Thompson is the better option. However, if they want to be a top-defensive team, then Eason is the better option.
It is also important to note that both players are still young and developing. It is possible that they both eventually develop into All-Star caliber players. The Rockets would be fortunate to have either player in their starting lineup.
