The 2023-24 NBA season was a dismal one for the Detroit Pistons, marked by historic lows in wins and a record-breaking losing streak of 28 games.
Among the few bright spots was the emergence of rookie Ausar Thompson, who quickly established himself as the team’s top defender on the perimeter, often tasked with guarding the opposition’s best scorers. With his impressive combination of size, length, and athleticism, Thompson demonstrated his potential as a versatile defender, despite facing typical challenges that rookies encounter.
However, Thompson’s promising season was cut short due to a serious health issue—a blood clot—that sidelined him for the final 19 games. Despite initial vagueness from the team about his condition, Thompson later revealed that he hadn’t been feeling like himself leading up to the diagnosis.
Although the health setback was a disappointment, prioritizing his long-term well-being was paramount. Looking ahead to his sophomore season, Thompson aims to enhance his offensive skills, particularly his shooting, recognizing its importance in diversifying his impact on the court.
With an eye on improving his shooting percentages, Thompson seeks to elevate his game beyond his rookie averages of 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Addressing his shortcomings in perimeter scoring is crucial for Thompson and the Pistons, as it will make him a more formidable threat and elevate the team’s potential.
