‘Attack of the Clones': Amen, Ausar Thompson land SLAM Magazine cover
The Rockets were one of the NBA's feel-good stories during the 2024-25 campaign. Two years after finishing in last place in the Western Conference, Houston went 52-30 and finished at No. 2 in the West last season.
That type of successful rebuilding project earned the Rockets a cover spot on SLAM Magazine for the February/March 2025 print issue. Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green, Fred VanVleet, and Dillon Brooks were featured.
One player who wasn't prominently displayed was rising star Amen Thompson, who was arguably Houston's most valuable player last season. But that might have been due to a different theme being in the works.
This July, with an 'Attack of the Clones' headline, Thompson and his twin brother — Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons — are on the SLAM cover. Each was selected among the top-five picks in the 2023 NBA draft, which makes 2025-26 a potential breakout year as each enters his third professional season. Each is already an elite defensive player.
For Houston's twin, given the recent arrival of All-Star forward Kevin Durant, he's likely to be in the national and global spotlight once the new season begins in October. So, in that sense, it's only fitting that he draws a cover story in SLAM's first issue since the blockbuster trade became official.
SLAM's complete feature on the Thompson twins can be read here. Topics include their childhood upbringing, tales of elite work ethic, and their unique relationship with each other.
More: Amen Thompson shares elite work ethic with new Rockets star Kevin Durant
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