The Detroit Pistons are currently the worst team in the NBA, with a 2-13 record. They are on a 12-game losing streak and are looking for a way to turn their season around. Even though Detroit?s performance has been disappointing, to say the least, there is one thing that the Pistons fans can feel good about. Their rookie Ausar Thompson has shown signs of greatness early in his NBA career, but his team’s abysmal campaign has overshadowed them.
Former Defensive Player of the Year, Draymond Green called out the fans? ignorance after pinpointing Ausar Thompson?s ?wild? rookie stats.
Draymond Green gives Ausar Thompson his flowers
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Draymond Green has been an advocate for good defense throughout his career. He has built his potential Hall of Fame career around being one of the best defenders in the league, who can do all the dirty work while his teammates dominate on offense. So, when he saw Pistons? rookie Ausar Thompson putting up 10.1 rebounds and 1.7 blocks as a 20-year-old, he had to bring that to everyone?s notice. ?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 tweeted, calling out the fans for their ignorance.
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
Ausar Thompson is leading the rookies in rebounds and steals. Averaging 10.1 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and 1.7 blocks per game, Ausar has shown that he is ready to put in the effort on defense. That is not something many rookies in the NBA focus on. Despite the rookie?s incredible defensive performance, offensively dominant rookies like Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are talked about much more than Ausar Thompson. It frustrated Draymond that Ausar was not getting his flowers because he was dominating the defense rather than the offense.
Can Ausar Thompson be the cornerstone of the Pistons franchise?
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The Detroit Pistons have failed to find any significant success since they last won the Championship in 2004. They have missed the playoffs in the last 4 years and have not won a playoff series since 2008. The Pistons are looking for a superstar they can build around and bring back the good old days. Ausar Thompson could be that superstar for the Pistons. The 6?7 forward is among the leaders in every rookie stat.
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Among rookies, Ausar is 5th in scoring, 3rd in assists, 3rd in blocks, and first in rebounds and steals. That shows how versatile the 20-year-old is, and he can dominate on both ends of the floor. Even though he might not be getting talked about enough right now, Ausar has a bright future ahead if he continues to play like this and work on improving his game.
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With an already promising young guard in Cade Cunningham, can Ausar Thompson be the piece the Pistons need to build a steady franchise?