After breaking their playoff drought last season, the Detroit Pistons are mostly running things back this year and are banking on Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland taking leaps, complementing Cade Cunningham.
Thompson missed a large portion of his rookie season with blood clots, limiting his development. The missed time is a big reason why his twin brother, Amen, has passed him up in most NBA rankings.
After averaging 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists as an elite defender and athlete, Ausar is tasked with stepping up and playing a big role for a winning Detroit team.
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 29: Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons dribbles during the third quarter in Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on April 29, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
Expectations for Ausar Thompson Revealed
Despite losing Malik Beasley to a gambling investigation and Dennis Schroder to free agency, the Pistons were able to add shooting this summer by signing Caris LeVert (37.3% from deep last season) and trading for Duncan Robinson (39.8%).
Thompson’s biggest weakness is by far his shooting. However, with snipers surrounding him and a clean bill of health, he is expected to take the next step and join his brother as an All-Defensive talent.
“I think we’re talking like 14, 15 points a game, eight or nine rebounds, three or four assists, and All-Defense,” predicted Sam Vecenie on the Game Theory Podcast’s September 20th episode. “He is just an absolute savage.”
With Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart on the roster, Thompson might not have as many chances to crash the glass, although Vencenie isn’t the only expert high on Thompson.
“14 points, three and a half assists, seven rebounds, two steals, one block,” offered Bryce Simon.
Thompson Is Expected to Match Wembanyama Feat
Victor Wembanyama, drafted five picks ahead of Ausar and four picks ahead of Amen, is easily the best player from the 2023 draft class.
In his rookie season, he became the first player in five years and 15th all-time to record a game with at least five points, five rebounds, five assists, five blocks, and five steals. He is one of three players with multiple such games.
Thanks to the Thompson Twins‘ versatility, it’s feasible that they are next to record that unique box score.
So the last two years, Victor Wembanyama has had a five-by-five game,” outlined Vecenie. “There hadn’t been one in six or five years until Victor did one in 2024. I’m going to throw Amen into this as well. I think one of the Thompson twins this year pops a five-by-five game.
With Fred VanVleet out for the season with a torn ACL, it stands to reason that Amen has a better chance than Ausar. Both have the defensive skillset and offensive motor to make it happen, joining some elite company.
‘Savage’ Pistons Star Expected to Match Rare Victor Wembanyama Feat