In an exclusive chat with courtside reporter Vanessa Richardson of AT&T SportsNet Southwest, Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone and new head coach Ime Udoka each opened up regarding the process that led to their recent 2023 NBA draft moves.
Houston emerged from that draft with Overtime Elite guard Amen Thompson (drafted at No. 4 overall in the first round) and Villanova forward Cam Whitmore, who unexpectedly slid to No. 20.
As part of an extended conversation, both Stone and Udoka peeled back the curtain behind theit pre-draft scouting and analysis process, which ultimately culminated in two more blue-chip prospects being added to the fold as Houston transitions its rebuild to phase two.
Read on for excerpts, summaries, and videos of select interview portions, and check out the complete version when Rockets All Access airs throughout the week on AT&T SportsNet (schedule).
As for Thompson and Whitmore, they’re each now under contract with the organization, and they will each wear a Rockets jersey for the first time when 2023 summer league play starts on Friday, July 7.
Ime Udoka sees ‘rare combination’ in Amen Thompson
There are other guys that have worked out and tested, and you see the numbers… but to see a guy his size, and at that age… it just flashes immediately.
For example, they did the vertical test, and he did all of them, right off the top. They had to raise it up! We were like, ‘Nah, he’s good, we don’t need to see anything else.’ That’s jumping about 12 feet, 2 feet over the rim. That was on his first jump!
It matches up to what you see on film, as well. It translates well to the court. His overall handle is tight, and his passing ability, the size and athleticism for a guy that age… it’s a rare combination. It’s pretty easy to see, and it’s why we’re so excited.
Tonight at 6PM on AT&T SportsNet#Rockets All Access: @NBA Draft Recap
Our @SportsVanessa sits down with Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, the @HoustonRockets draft picks and much more
Here's a preview 🚀🏀🚀🏀🚀🏀 pic.twitter.com/pWXX5PkkVF
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) July 5, 2023
Rafael Stone on Amen Thompson: ‘He really moves differently’
It’s my job to be fully prepared before we have anybody in. But for our coaches, and especially with a guy from an untraditional background [Overtime Elite league], they were asking me what to expect. I was like, ‘You guys haven’t seen anything like this.’
So he got in, and they were like, ‘Yeah, we haven’t seen anything like that.’ He really moves differently.
Tonight at 6PM on AT&T SportsNet#Rockets All Access: @NBA Draft Recap
Our @SportsVanessa sits down with Ime Udoka, Rafael Stone, the @HoustonRockets draft picks and much more
Here's a preview 🚀🏀🚀🏀🚀🏀 pic.twitter.com/pWXX5PkkVF
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) July 5, 2023
Rockets (unsuccessfully) tried to trade up from No. 20 for Cam Whitmore
Really appreciate @HoustonRockets GM Rafael Stone and Head Coach Ime Udoka providing insight into their draft process 🚀
Hear from Stone, Udoka, the newly drafted Rockets & their families WEDNESDAY, JULY 5 at 6pm on @ATTSportsNetSW. pic.twitter.com/MrFeNxLE4i
— Vanessa Richardson (@SportsVanessa) June 29, 2023
Ime Udoka advises Cam Whitmore to use draft slide as motivation
Join us at 6PM on AT&T SportsNet for #Rockets All Access: @NBA Draft Recap
Our @SportsVanessa sits down with the newest @HoustonRockets Amen Thompson & Cam Whitmore and much more pic.twitter.com/l6eEGENBOm
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) July 5, 2023
Cam Whitmore interview
Cam Whitmore sat down with our @SportsVanessa today to talk about being drafted #20 overall by the @HoustonRockets in the @NBA draft.
And how a former #Rockets player was his favorite growing upYou can see the entire interview soon on AT&T SportsNet pic.twitter.com/9ADq4r8Q7o
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) June 26, 2023
Amen Thompson interview
Our @SportsVanessa had a chance to chat with one of the newest members of the @HoustonRockets Amen Thompson today.
The #Rockets drafted him #4 overall in last week's @NBA draft
You will see the entire interview soon on AT&T SportsNet pic.twitter.com/goUl1hIgZd
— AT&T SportsNet™ | SW (@ATTSportsNetSW) June 26, 2023
Rockets limiting rookie expectations
More Rafael Stone on 2023 #Rockets rookies: “There are people who come in and are ready to contribute to winning right away, but they’re extraordinarily rare.”
“We’re really comfortable in their talent and long-term outlook. Our goal is much more where they are in 3, 4 years.”
— Ben DuBose (@BenDuBose) July 5, 2023
