With veteran Fred VanVleet sitting out for rest purposes, second-year Houston Rockets prospect Amen Thompson started at point guard in Wednesday's preseason victory at Oklahoma City.

It was at least somewhat of a transition for Thompson, who was drafted high in the 2023 first round as a point guard before playing much of his 2023-24 rookie season in the frontcourt. At 6-foot-7, 215 pounds, Thompson is athletic and long enough to play at multiple positions, and Houston had a vacated starting spot on its front line in early March after losing Alperen Sengun to a season ending ankle injury.

But even though Thompson largely flourished in that frontcourt role -- particularly as a defender and as an off-ball threat on offense -- he still has enough ball-handling skills, vision, and versatility to play in the backcourt, as well.

At Friday's team practice, head coach Ime Udoka was asked about the differences in Thompson playing point guard, as well as for his views on how the 21-year-old -- who finished with 8 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 0 turnovers in 27 minutes -- utlimately graded out in Oklahoma City.

Udoka replied:

With VanVleet likely back in his usual starter's role, Thompson and the Rockets will resume preseason play with next Tuesday's home game versus New Orleans. Tipoff from Toyota Center is at 7:00 p.m. Central.

Houston is now 1-1 in its four-game exhibition slate.

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