The Detroit Pistons are one of the most exciting stories in the NBA. With Cade Cunningham blossoming into a top-tier point guard and the team already doubling its win total from last season, there’s plenty of optimism in Detroit. But no storyline has been as inspiring as the return of Ausar Thompson .
Drafted fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Thompson hit the ground running. In his seventh NBA game last sesson , he accomplished a rare stat line of 10+ points, five+ rebounds, four+ assists, four+ steals, and four+ blocks—joining legends Ralph Sampson and Kevin Garnett in an exclusive club. His first eight games put him in elite company alongside Michael Jordan as the only rookie to tally 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks in that span. The sky seemed to be the limit for Thompson.
Ausar Thompson scored 14 points tonight against Phoenix with nine rebounds, four assists, four steals and four blocks.
He is the third rookie in NBA history to post such a stat line, joining Kevin Garnett (1996) and Ralph Sampson (1984). pic.twitter.com/WhkvEQydhd
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) November 5, 2023
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Players to record 30+ assists, 12+ steals, and 15+ blocks over their first eight NBA games:
Michael Jordan and Ausar Thompson pic.twitter.com/woPDMqYQE8
— Brett Usher (@UsherNBA) November 7, 2023
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However, the grind of the NBA season took its toll. As the year progressed, Thompson went from starter to bench player. His impact was still felt in flashes, but not at the same level as his early surge. Then, just as he was adjusting to the ups and downs of his rookie campaign, he was sidelined with a blood clot that forced him to miss the final 19 games of the season. The diagnosis carried into this season , causing him to miss the first 18 games.
Now, Thompson is back on the court—and while his stats may not jump off the page, his presence on both ends of the floor has been undeniable. His return has helped unlock the starting unit’s potential, providing the Pistons with the versatility and energy they’ve been missing. So, what makes Thompson such a difference-maker? How has he helped elevate the Pistons since his return? Let’s dive into it.
Pistons’ Offense Thrives With Thompson In Point-Forward Role
Thompson: The Pistons Do-It-All Player
Don’t let the modest averages of 9.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game fool you. Thompson’s true impact goes far beyond the box score. If you want a clearer picture of his recent form, look at his numbers over the past five games. During that stretch , Thompson averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.2 steals, showcasing the all-around ability that made him a top-five pick in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Shooting remains a work in progress for Thompson. He’s knocking down just 21.9% of his three-point attempts this season, though that’s an improvement from the 18.6% he shot as a rookie. His aggressive style of play gets him to the free-throw line regularly, but the results haven’t been ideal. After shooting 59.7% from the line last season, he’s shooting just 59.5% this year. While those percentages aren’t where you’d want them to be, his continued work will surely improve those numbers.
Where Thompson’s growth is most evident is in his efficiency inside the arc. He’s shooting 55% from the field this season, a notable improvement from 48.3% as a rookie. His ability to attack the rim, finish in transition, and make smart decisions in the half-court offense has become a key part of the Pistons’ recent success. Thompson’s relentless energy and versatility have made him indispensable to Detroit’s rotation.
More Responsibilities
Recently, Thompson has taken on a role as a point forward, and it’s been a game-changer for the Pistons’ offense. In their 125-112 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on February 7, Thompson stepped into the point guard role with Cunningham sidelined due to injury. Running the offense, Thompson displayed his trademark aggressiveness on both ends of the floor while revealing an expanded playmaking skill set.
This game served as a glimpse into how having Thompson initiate the offense can unlock new dimensions for the Pistons. With him handling the ball more, Cunningham is free to focus on being a shot-creator and scorer. Thompson’s relentless attacks on the paint force defenses to collapse, creating wide-open looks from beyond the arc for shooters like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris . Meanwhile, his court vision and unselfish play generate easy scoring opportunities at the rim for Jalen Duren .
By taking on these added responsibilities, Thompson is helping the Pistons’ offense become more versatile and unpredictable. His ability to wear multiple hats—defender, facilitator, and slasher—has made him an essential piece of Detroit’s evolving identity.
The Last Word
Ausar Thompson’s journey has been anything but smooth. His growth and versatility are turning him into a key piece for the Pistons. He’s faced early setbacks and shooting struggles but keeps expanding his game. Thompson makes an impact on both ends of the floor. Whether it’s his defense, playmaking, or ability to thrive as a point forward, he always finds a way to contribute.
As the Pistons look toward a brighter future, Thompson’s development will be vital. He’s willing to take on more responsibility and adapt his game. That shows he’s more than a role player—he’s a cornerstone. If he stays on this path, the Pistons will have found their Swiss Army knife. Thompson can help them win in multiple ways. In Detroit, that’s exactly what they need.
Photo credit: © Matt Marton-Imagn Images
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