Ausar Thompson is no ordinary rookie defender. He is the 5th player to record 40 rebounds and 10 blocks in his first four NBA games. As a perimeter defender, it seems like Thompson was constructed in a lab. He is 6 feet 7 inches tall with a 7-foot wingspan and moves like someone set the ratings on 99 while creating their player.
On the offensive end, his height gives him an easy way to shoot over smaller defenders and an elevated release that is hard to stop. Golden State Warriors star Draymond Green feels that despite putting up brilliant performances, Ausar is not being talked about much.
Draymond Green shares candid thoughts on Ausar Thompson
Draymond Green, a four-time NBA champion, expressed his surprise that rookie forward Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons isn’t receiving as much attention as other rookies in the league. Thompson has played a strong defensive game, but his accomplishments have not been as noteworthy as those of Chet Holmgren and Victor Wembanyama.
Ausar Thompson averaging 10 rebounds and almost 2 blocks per game is not being talked about enough. That’s wild! Let me guess though… it’s not points, so it doesn’t matter?
— Draymond Green (@Money23Green) November 23, 2023
After being chosen by the Pistons with the fifth overall pick in the rookie draft this year from Overtime Elite, Thompson has been a bright spot for Detroit (2-13). He’s averaged 11.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.7 blocks, and 1.1 steals in all 15 of their games played thus far. There have already been rumors that Thompson might be chosen for the NBA All-Defensive team because of his outstanding performances.
Green, though, finds it puzzling that despite Thompson’s remarkable all-around stats, nobody is talking about the 20-year-old. The four-time NBA All-Star took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his thoughts on it, saying “Ausar Thompson averaging 10 rebounds and almost 2 blocks per game is not being talked about enough. That’s wild! Let me guess though… it’s not points, so it doesn’t matter?”
Given that he is of similar stock, Draymond Green’s fondness for Thompson should come as no surprise. The Michigan State graduate has taken great satisfaction in his ability to play a strong defense, perform all duties, and be a team player.
Pistons struggling to perform this NBA season
As of Tuesday, it’s been 24 days since the Pistons won a professional basketball game. They are struggling badly and are constantly losing. When Detroit fell short against the Nuggets on Monday night, it may have reached its lowest point in a long time.
That wouldn’t be too embarrassing in most circumstances, but Nikola Jokic was also ejected after just 15 minutes of play, Jamal Murray was out, and Michael Malone was tossed in the opening quarter. With twelve straight losses, the Pistons have swiftly established themselves as the league’s most depressing team to watch.
What are your thoughts on the Pistons terrible performance this season so far? Feel free to share with us in the comments below?
