Amen Thompson is not your typical point guard. Standing at 2.01 meters tall with a 2.13-meter wingspan, he plays as if he were designed in a laboratory to break schemes. His ability to defend five positions and attack the rim with violence makes him a rare specimen in the NBA. We analyze in 3D what makes this Houston Rockets player special.
Biomechanical analysis: levers and explosiveness 🏀
From a technical standpoint, his stride is long and covers ground with seemingly little effort. The mechanics of his vertical jump, measured at 96 cm without a running start, allow him to finish above the rim frequently. However, his outside shooting remains a work in progress: his wrist rotates little and the release is somewhat rigid. On defense, his arm length gives him a radius of action few can match, allowing him to deflect passes and block distant shots without leaving his feet.
The three-point shot: an unsolved mystery 🤔
The most curious thing is that Amen shoots as if the ball were burning his hands. His shooting mechanics resemble someone who discovered the three-pointer yesterday and still isn't sure if they like it. At times, the ball comes off with a strange spin, as if begging the rim for mercy. But watch out: when he drives, he's a hammer. It's as if he has two personalities: the point guard who scares in the paint and the shooter who scares his own coach.