Haliburton's Humorous Jersey Request Highlights Amen Thompson's Rise
Source: SI NBA. Casualplayhub News adds summary, context, and editorial framing while linking back to the original report.
Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers' All-Star guard, has a knack for storytelling, and his latest tale involves a moment of unexpected humility with Houston Rockets rising star Amen Thompson. On a recent episode of the Numbers On The Board podcast, Haliburton shared that Thompson and his twin brother Ausar are his favorite players to watch in the NBA. But the real gem came when he recounted a jersey request that went hilariously awry.
“We played them in Houston,” Haliburton recalled. “Before the game, I was like, ‘Yo fam, I need your jersey after the game.’ He’s like, ‘For real?’ I’m like, ‘For real, I need your jersey after the game. I played well.’ Game got done… He’s like, ‘Man, I can’t give you my jersey. Ime will kill me.’ He’s like, ‘Next time you come to Houston, I’ll make sure you get that jersey.’”
The story, equal parts funny and respectful, underscores the rapid ascent of Thompson, who was selected by the Rockets with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Rather than following the traditional college route, Thompson spent his late teenage years honing his skills in the Overtime Elite league, a developmental program designed to prepare prospects for the professional game. That decision has paid off handsomely. Over 79 games last season, the 23-year-old swingman averaged 18.3 points and 7.8 rebounds, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Houston’s rebuild.
Thompson’s game is built on a foundation of elite athleticism, breakneck speed, and defensive versatility. Standing six-foot-seven, he can guard multiple positions, and that ability has earned him top-10 finishes in Defensive Player of the Year voting for two consecutive seasons. His offensive arsenal continues to evolve, making him a two-way threat that opponents must account for every night.
Looking ahead to the 2026-2027 season, Thompson is expected to remain Houston’s starting shooting guard. The projected lineup alongside him features Fred VanVleet, who is returning from a season-ending ACL injury, veteran scoring machine Kevin Durant, forward Jabari Smith Jr., and center Alperen Sengun. Durant, at 37, led the Rockets in scoring last season, but his presence is widely seen as a short-term boost. The franchise is likely aiming to maximize its championship window while Durant remains productive, knowing he won’t be part of the long-term vision. In contrast, Thompson represents the future—the player who could lead the next generation of Rockets basketball.
The biggest question surrounding Thompson is whether he will earn an All-Star selection in 2027. His year-over-year production suggests he is on an upward trajectory, but the Western Conference is loaded with talent. A breakthrough season could provide a clear signal of whether he has reached his ceiling or still has room to grow.
Haliburton’s endorsement, though lighthearted, carries weight. Coming from a fellow young star who has himself risen to prominence, it suggests that Thompson is earning respect from the league’s elite. While he remains somewhat under the radar nationally, the upcoming season will offer plenty of opportunities to raise his profile. As the Rockets aim to contend, Thompson’s development will be a storyline worth watching.
This article was written by Eric Jay Santos, a contributing writer for Houston Rockets On SI, who has covered the NBA since 2020 and holds degrees from Bridgewater State University and Southern New Hampshire University.
Article commentary
The anecdote shared by Tyrese Haliburton about Amen Thompson offers more than a moment of locker room humor—it shines a light on the shifting dynamics of NBA recognition and the quiet rise of a player who could soon become a household name. Haliburton, himself a rising star, choosing to publicly praise Thompson and even request his jersey signals a level of respect that goes beyond casual admiration. In a league where superstars often guard their own brands, such gestures hint at genuine peer acknowledgment. Thompson’s journey is unconventional. Bypassing college for the Overtime Elite league was a gamble that has paid off. His statistical production—18.3 points and 7.8 rebounds per game—is impressive for a player still in his early career, but it’s his defensive impact that truly sets him apart. Finishing in the top 10 of Defensive Player of the Year voting for two straight years is a rare feat for a guard, indicating that his value extends far beyond scoring. That kind of two-way ability is exactly what contending teams covet. The Rockets’ roster construction for the 2026-2027 season is intriguing. Pairing Thompson with a veteran like Kevin Durant, who is nearing the end of his prime, creates a short-term win-now window while also allowing Thompson to learn from one of the game’s greatest scorers. Fred VanVleet’s return from an ACL injury adds another steadying presence. However, the franchise must balance immediate competitiveness with long-term planning. Durant’s age suggests that the Rockets’ championship hopes are tied to a narrow window, and Thompson’s development will be crucial to extending that window once Durant departs. The All-Star question looms large. The Western Conference is packed with elite guards and wings, and earning a spot in 2027 would require Thompson to elevate his game further. But his trajectory—combining elite athleticism with improving skills—suggests it’s a realistic goal. Haliburton’s endorsement could be a bellwether: when peers start to take notice, the broader basketball world often follows. From a league-wide perspective, stories like this humanize the NBA. They remind fans that even the biggest stars are fans of the game, and that mutual respect exists across team lines. Haliburton’s playful refusal by Thompson, who cited coach Ime Udoka’s potential reaction, also reveals the disciplined culture being built in Houston. Thompson’s decision to prioritize team rules over a star player’s request speaks to his professionalism and the seriousness of the Rockets’ environment. Ultimately, Thompson remains under the radar nationally, but that is unlikely to last. With a strong supporting cast, a clear role, and the backing of peers like Haliburton, he is poised for a breakout. The 2026-2027 season could be his coming-out party, where he transforms from a promising young player into a bona fide star. For now, the jersey story is a charming footnote in what promises to be a compelling career arc.