The NBA Draft is always a spectacle—a night filled with dreams realized, surprises, and the beginning of new eras. But in 2023, something truly historic and emotional took place that set it apart from all others. That night, twin brothers Amen and Ausar Thompson etched their names into basketball lore when they were selected back-to-back in the top five picks. It wasn’t just a celebration of talent—it was a celebration of family, perseverance, and a future shaped by an uncommon bond.
Amen Thompson was selected 4th overall by the Houston Rockets, immediately followed by his brother Ausar, who went 5th overall to the Detroit Pistons. It marked the first time in NBA history that twin brothers were drafted within the top five picks. This wasn’t just a family moment—it was a seismic event for basketball fans and sports historians alike. Their achievement turned heads and lit up social media timelines, with reactions ranging from sheer awe to emotional tributes from former players, coaches, and fans who had followed their unique journey.
What makes the Thompson twins’ rise even more impressive is how unconventional their path to the NBA was. Rather than going the traditional college basketball route, Amen and Ausar joined Overtime Elite (OTE), a then-new professional league for 16-to-20-year-olds designed to offer an alternative to NCAA basketball. Many questioned the legitimacy of OTE and whether it could truly prepare prospects for the next level. The Thompsons not only proved it could work—they legitimized the league with their elite athleticism, playmaking, and composure.
Amen, known for his blazing speed and dynamic passing, was a perfect fit for the Rockets, a team building around youth and high-octane transition play. He drew comparisons to early-career Russell Westbrook due to his explosiveness and ability to collapse defenses. Meanwhile, Ausar, the more defensive-minded and methodical of the two, landed with the Pistons, a franchise desperately in need of two-way players and perimeter discipline. Ausar brought a calm confidence and a well-rounded game that hinted at Kawhi Leonard-lite potential—a blend of length, IQ, and leadership.
What’s remarkable is that despite being twins and training side-by-side for most of their lives, their games evolved in slightly different directions. Amen thrived with the ball in his hands, orchestrating the offense and creating opportunities for others. Ausar, on the other hand, was a defensive anchor and a slasher who excelled off the ball and made winning plays. Their individuality made it clear that they weren’t just riding a shared narrative—they each earned their moment through distinct, elite-level skills.
The emotional scenes on draft night said it all. As NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called their names, one after the other, the room erupted. Their family broke down in tears, the brothers embraced tightly, and the world watched as history unfolded. It was a moment that transcended basketball—a universal story about dreaming big, staying committed, and achieving greatness with your best friend and twin brother right beside you.
Beyond the headlines, the Thompson twins also represent a changing tide in how young athletes are choosing to pursue professional careers. Their success gave validation to the idea that alternative developmental pathways—whether it’s G League Ignite, OTE, or overseas leagues—can produce NBA-ready talent. It was a statement to the basketball establishment: there’s more than one road to the league, and these new systems can work just as well, if not better, for some athletes.
In the months that followed their debut seasons, both Amen and Ausar lived up to the hype in different ways. Though injuries slightly slowed Amen’s early momentum, when healthy, he showcased jaw-dropping flashes of potential. His court vision and feel for the game quickly earned him a spot in Houston’s rotation, and he became a fan favorite with his electric playmaking.
Ausar, on the other hand, hit the ground running in Detroit. Known for his relentless defense and unselfish approach, he quickly emerged as a key piece for the Pistons’ rebuild. His maturity on the court, especially in clutch moments, impressed coaches and veterans alike. By midseason, he was already earning All-Rookie Team buzz and established himself as one of the league’s premier young defenders.
The broader impact of the Thompson twins is still unfolding, but their presence has already inspired a generation. Young hoopers now look to Amen and Ausar as proof that you can bet on yourself, take an unconventional path, and still reach the NBA’s highest levels. More importantly, they’ve shown that greatness can be multiplied when built on brotherhood, discipline, and relentless drive.
As we look back at the 2023 NBA Draft, it won’t just be remembered for the picks, the trades, or even the flashy suits. It will be remembered for the moment when two brothers—Amen and Ausar Thompson—walked across the stage together, just minutes apart, and made history. In doing so, they didn’t just enter the NBA—they reshaped it, setting a new precedent for what’s possible, both on and off the court.
