NBA Draft Spotlight: Thompson Twins Carve Distinct Rookie Paths After Top-Five Selections

The Thompson Twins: From Overtime Elite to NBA History

When Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson heard their names called back-to-back in the 2023 NBA draft, the league witnessed something it had never seen: twin brothers taken in the top five. Amen went to the Houston Rockets at No. 4, with Ausar joining the Detroit Pistons one pick later. That moment capped off a wild ride from their days starring for Overtime Elite (OTE)—the upstart league designed to bypass college, fast-tracking prospects into professional basketball.

Long before the draft, the twins had already won an OTE championship together and racked up All-OTE honors. Skipping the old college route, they grew their game in a pro-style structure—training daily, learning under NBA-style coaches, and even working with nutritionists and trainers who operate like those at the highest level. Few high schoolers, let alone twins, have had that kind of launchpad.

Contrasting Rookie Seasons: Impact and Upside

But as soon as they landed on separate NBA teams, their journeys started to diverge. Amen Thompson slotted right into the Rockets’ explosive young core. His court vision, off-the-charts athleticism, and defensive instincts made him an instant highlight. The Rockets, looking to climb out of the lottery cycle, plugged Amen into meaningful minutes. His energy changed games, he switched on defense, and he made the sort of plays rookies aren’t supposed to make—leaping for blocks, tracking down steals, and pushing fast breaks. Every night, he showed pieces of a future All-Defensive guard. Veterans and coaches noticed his work ethic immediately, praising his maturity and drive as rare for a rookie.

Meanwhile, Ausar Thompson found himself on a Detroit Pistons team in the thick of a rebuild—and facing a much steeper learning curve. His size and athleticism kept him on the floor, especially for defensive matchups. But his perimeter game, especially three-point shooting (just 14.9% from deep), lagged behind; defenders dared him to shoot, and the scouting report showed he needed time. Still, flashes of potential pop up: his rebounding, shot-blocking for a wing, and nose for transition buckets all fit the modern NBA mold. Pistons management has stayed patient, betting on his upside and the day his shooting catches up to the rest of his skills.

Their contrasting rookie years underline how unpredictable the NBA’s draft journey can be. Amen’s immediate splash in Houston stands out, while Ausar’s project status hasn’t dampened his reputation within the league. Instead, scouts talk up his relentless practice habits, defensive IQ, and signs that his jumper will eventually come around. There’s a belief that being part of Detroit’s long-term plan gives him the breathing room to make those improvements without pressure.

Through all this, the NBA itself is changing. Kids using the Overtime Elite route, once seen as a risky gamble, are now proof that you don’t need college bluebloods to reach the top. Amen and Ausar’s story is at the center of that shift. Their off-court bond—visible in playful interviews and online banter—adds a layer of personality to their rapid rise. Even with different team uniforms and roles, they show the same commitment and determination that set them apart before the draft.