Amen Thompson: Bio, Stats, Suspension, and Twin Comparison

There’s a rare thrill in watching a rookie who doesn’t just survive the NBA — he changes the game around him. Amen Thompson, the Houston Rockets’ fourth overall pick in the 2023 draft, averaged 9.5 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in his first season, numbers that earned him a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team.

Born: January 30, 2003 ·
Height: 6’7″ ·
Weight: 200 lbs ·
Position: Guard-Forward ·
Team: Houston Rockets ·
Draft: 2023, 1st Round, 4th Overall

A few key details, one pattern: Amen Thompson’s profile fits the modern NBA wing who can guard multiple positions.

Data sourced from Wikipedia and NBA.com.

What is Amen Thompson’s ethnicity?

While the NBA world knows him as a rising star, questions about Amen Thompson’s background often start with ethnicity. Thompson is identified as African-American, according to his Wikipedia profile and public records. However, the exact ethnic origins beyond being Black are not detailed in official biographies. Both Amen and his twin brother Ausar were born in San Leandro, California, to a mother named Maya and a father who was not present in their early lives. The Thompson twins’ story is as much about family as it is about basketball.

The pattern: While ethnicity is a common query, the Thompson twins’ identity is defined more by their shared journey than by racial labels alone.

Are Amen Thompson and his brother twins?

Yes, Amen Thompson and Ausar Thompson are identical twins, born on January 30, 2003. They made history as the first twins ever drafted in the NBA top five in the same year: Amen went 4th overall to Houston, Ausar 5th to Detroit, according to ESPN draft coverage. Their bond goes beyond blood; they played together at Overtime Elite and now face each other as opponents in the league.

Both are 6’7″ and share a similar build, making the brother comparison inevitable.

Who is Amen Thompson’s twin brother?

Amen’s twin is Ausar Thompson, a guard/forward for the Detroit Pistons. Ausar, like Amen, is a defensive-minded player with explosive athleticism. However, Ausar’s rookie season was disrupted by a blood clot issue that forced him to miss significant time, while Amen remained relatively healthy (aside from ankle sprains, as Yahoo Sports reported he missed 20 games due to ankle injuries).

The implication: Being a twin in the NBA isn’t just a novelty — it’s a competitive advantage that both brothers are leveraging in real time.

Is the NBA going to suspend Amen Thompson?

This question spiked after an incident during a 2024-2025 season game between the Rockets and the Miami Heat. Amen Thompson was involved in an altercation that led to his ejection and a subsequent two-game suspension, per Wikipedia. The NBA’s official statement confirmed the suspension alongside Terry Rozier.

Why was Amen Thompson suspended?

The altercation occurred after a hard foul, with Thompson and Rozier exchanging words and physical contact. The league ruled that both players violated the NBA’s code of conduct, resulting in the suspension.

What was the length of the suspension?

According to Wikipedia, the suspension was a two-game ban. Thompson served it and returned to the Rockets’ lineup soon after.

What this means: For a young player known for his intensity, this suspension serves as a learning moment as he matures into a leadership role.

Which brother is better, Amen or Ausar Thompson?

It’s the most natural question when you have two identical twins both in the NBA. The answer depends on what you value: Amen is more of a playmaker and slasher, while Ausar is a defensive stopper. Rookie stats show Amen averaging 9.5 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists, per NBA.com; Ausar put up 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in his first season, according to ESPN. Both shot below 30% from three, indicating room for growth in their outside games.

Key statistical differences

Amen’s shooting percentage (53.6%) is notably higher than Ausar’s, reflecting his ability to finish at the rim. Ausar, however, is considered the better on-ball defender, with a higher steal rate per 36 minutes.

Playing style comparison

Amen frequently initiates the offense for the Rockets’ second unit, while Ausar thrives in a catch-and-defend role for the Pistons. Their styles will likely diverge further as they gain experience.

The trade-off: If you need a point forward with playmaking vision, you take Amen. If you want a lockdown wing who can guard 1 through 4, Ausar is your guy.

What are Amen Thompson’s three-point statistics?

One of the most debated aspects of Amen Thompson’s game is his outside shooting. As a rookie, he shot 29.8% from three-point range, a figure that underscores his reliance on drives and mid-range. However, his overall field goal percentage of 53.6% shows he’s efficient when he gets to his spots, per NBA.com.

When was Amen Thompson drafted?

Amen was selected 4th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets, in a draft class that included Victor Wembanyama and Scoot Henderson, as recorded by ESPN.

What is Amen Thompson’s contract?

As a top-5 pick, Thompson signed a standard rookie scale contract with the Rockets. The four-year deal includes team options in the later years, typical for draft picks of his caliber.

How tall is Amen Thompson and what position does he play?

Amen is listed at 6’7″ and 200 lbs, playing the guard-forward position. His length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions, making him a versatile piece for the Rockets. (Wikipedia)

Why this matters: For a player with elite physical tools, developing a consistent three-point shot is the key to unlocking All-Star potential.

Amen Thompson vs Ausar Thompson: A Statistical Comparison

When you put the twin stats side by side, a clear pattern emerges: both are defensive disruptors with work to do on offense.

The pattern: Both brothers impact winning through defense and rebounding far more than their raw scoring suggests. Their three-point shooting, however, remains the clear differentiator.

“Thompson was the fourth overall pick by Houston in the 2023 NBA Draft… in 62 games with 23 starts as a rookie last season, he averaged 9.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg.”

— NBA.com

“Amen Thompson is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA).”

— Wikipedia