Ausar Thompson cleared to play

Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson has been cleared to play by the NBA’s fitness panel, sources told ESPN. Thompson, the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NBA draft, has been sidelined since March due to a blood clot issue and will now begin ramping up and participating in full-contact practices for the first time in eight months. Both Thompson and Los Angeles Lakers 7-footer Christian Koloko dealt with blood clots and received clearances from the league’s fitness-to-play panel.