Player comparisons for Ausur Thompson and Marcus Sasser

Ausur Thompson is ready to contribute now while he strengthens his weaknesses… and Troy’s all in!

The Thompson twins have been the talk of the draft outside of Victor Wembanyama, and for obvious reasons. Both brothers chose to go take the alternative route of Overtime Elite to polish their game instead of college basketball, giving the uber-athletic wings more mystique heading into the annual draft night festivities.

The decision paid off with the siblings being selected in the top five of the 2023 NBA Draft. Ausur was chosen 5th by the Detroit Pistons one pick after his brother Amen learned he’ll be playing for the Houston Rockets, setting the stage for a historical night, becoming the first brothers selected in the top five of the NBA Draft. Although many consider Amen as the better prospect (as a playmaking wing) Ausur may have had the better showing in OTE.

Ausur won back to back MVP’s along with FMVP honors, winning the awards in both of the first two seasons of the league. He averaged 17.5 points 6.7 rebounds and 5.8 assists, showing the ability to do a multitude of things on the court. Versatility is a commodity in today’s NBA, a defensive game changer is what this team lacked, both being what Ausur brings to the table.

Troy Weaver’s plan was to hit a home run this draft, and the potential of Thompson could provide just that. He’s still has untapped potential, raw athleticism yes, but he’s got all the tools to contribute now.

Ausur had this to say regarding his fit and potential role offensively.

His shooting will need to improve both from the free throw line and deep, he shot 29.8 percent from three and a atrocious 66.2 percent from the charity stripe. The shooting coaches will have their work cut out for them, but he’s a hardworking young man, so expect improvements in that area in Summer League.

Until he finds his shot he could make a living as a cutter and finisher around the basket in the half court. Transition is another area he’ll show flashes of pure brilliance. Expect him to be on the receiving end of lobs creating highlight reels as he grows his game. The half court will be a struggle without a respectable jumper, making up for it with his instincts will be big early on.

As a defender he’s already ahead of the curve, ready to compete with the best wings in the world. His sheer athleticism and positioning allows him to make up for miscues by recovering quickly. A natural ball hawk who averaged 2.3 steals and a block in OTE, exactly what this young Pistons roster needed. He can shutdown the entire weak side on his own, closing out on shooters while maintaining a help side paint presence. Most athletes of his caliber utilize their abilities on the offensive end, Ausur showcases his on both sides making him a potential two-way nightmare for opposing teams.

The Detroit Pistons needed athletic wings who can defend and Ausur checks those boxes. Whatever offense he provides as a rookie will be a added bonus to his lock down potential defensively. This Pistons team has scorers and will look to add more in free agency. Providing a defensive jolt would be the best way to fit with his new teammates. When asked what he’s hoping to do when he finally gets to Detroit from a reporter he replied “I’m hoping to you know, help start a winning culture” another high character guy ready to work.

The sky’s the limit for Ausur Thompson if he finds his shooting touch, he could reach All-Star status. That’s why Troy Weaver took a swing on his upside, banking he’ll put the work in to improve on his weaknesses. Troy gave high praise to Ausur Thompson after drafting him stating “He adds to our culture, we got a great person, tremendous worker, tremendous human being, great athlete… how he meshes with those guys I think he’ll take a lot of pressure off of Cade and Jaden being able to defend the best player on the other team” which says all you need to know about Thompson.

There’s nothing to question about his work ethic, and he’ll be a solid professional for years to come. Even if he doesn’t develop into a shooter he’s going to be impactful regardless. Player comparisons aren’t a science by any means, however if I had to name a player Ausur Thompson’s game is comparable to I’ll have to say Andre Iguodala.

Player comparison: Andre Iguodala