The 2023-24 NBA season proved challenging for the Detroit Pistons, marked by significant setbacks in franchise history, including the lowest number of wins recorded in a single campaign and a prolonged 28-game losing streak. Despite these adversities, rookie Ausar Thompson emerged as a bright spot for the team, showcasing his prowess as a top perimeter defender against opponents’ key scorers.
Thompson’s arrival in the NBA was distinguished by his notable attributes of size, length, and athleticism, enabling him to excel as a versatile defender across positions. However, his promising rookie season was curtailed due to a health concern, later revealed to be a blood clot, sidelining him for the final 19 games of the season.
Ausar on what he felt leading up the blood clot diagnosis: "I wasn't feeling like myself. Thank god the doctor got to it and now I'm a mental journey and physical journey to get back."
— James L. Edwards III (@JLEdwardsIII) April 15, 2024
In a recent media appearance, Thompson candidly addressed his health setback, acknowledging that he had not felt himself leading up to the diagnosis. While his focus remains on returning to action swiftly, he recognizes the importance of prioritizing his long-term well-being.
Looking ahead to his sophomore campaign, Thompson aims to bolster his offensive capabilities, particularly in shooting, to complement his defensive prowess. Despite averaging 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game as a rookie, improving his shooting percentages is crucial for Thompson to elevate his overall impact on the court and enhance the Pistons’ competitiveness.
Recognizing the need for improvement in his perimeter shooting, Thompson is determined to refine his skills and become a more potent offensive threat, thereby diversifying the team’s offensive options and raising their performance level.
