Stone at introductory presser for Thompson, Whitmore: 'Today's a great day for the Houston Rockets organization'

Houston Rockets general manager Rafael Stone introduced the team’s draft picks on June 26, which included Top 5 selection Amen Thompson, saying it was “a great day for the Houston Rockets organization.” 

Thompson was selected fourth in the first round along with forward Cam Whitmore on June 22 in Brooklyn.

Thompson and Whitmore are expected to help Houston accelerate what has been an arduous rebuilding process dating back to 2021. 

Houston Daily reported that 6-foot-7, 225-pound Thompson, a native of San Leandro, California, and his twin brother and now-ex OTE teammate, Ausar Thompson, earned the distinction of being the first twins in NBA history to hear their names called within the first five picks of the draft. 

The Detroit Pistons made Ausar Thompson the fifth overall pick.

According to the publication, Thompson came after French teen hoops phenomenon Victor Wembanyama, the top prospect who went first to the San Antonio Spurs; University of Alabama guard/forward Brandon Miller, whom the Charlotte Hornets nabbed second; and NBA G League Ignite star Scoot Henderson, the Portland Trail Blazers’ pickup at three.

“I think I can just bring leadership, defense,” Thompson said at the press conference. “The things, the tangibles I can bring to the team right away. [And] I can be a good locker room guy.”

Houston ABC affiliate KTRK reported that the Thompson twins have an older brother who suited up for Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU).

Per Houston Daily, ESPN projected the 6-foot-7, 232-pound Whitmore to be a surefire lottery pick, with commentators purportedly labeling Whitmore the “steal” of the draft after he fell into the Rockets’ lap.

“I just think it happened for the right reasons,” Whitmore said at the press conference, adding he spent the time leading up to the draft training in Houston.

According to Sports Illustrated (SI), Whitmore said he's "happy to be a Rocket."