Player comparisons for Ausur Thompson and Marcus Sasser

The Detroit Pistons came in to the 2023 NBA Draft with one first round pick and left with two, similar to last year when Troy Weaver was able to grab two core pieces in Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren. The Detroit Pistons’ front office has been known to take an aggressive approach on draft night since Weaver took the reins. There’s plenty of things to discuss following one of the most exciting nights of the NBA season.

Detroit Pistons’ draft: Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser

Now that the dust settled after the NBA Draft the Pistons walk away feeling confident about their selections. They took the high-ceiling Ausar Thompson with the 5th pick. Then Troy Weaver worked his magic, trading up to select a four-year collegiate player Marcus Sasser in the late first round. Two different players who took completely different routes to the league, both selected by Weaver’s regime to help with the next stage of this restoration.

Marcus and Ausur should earn minutes right away with a new coaching staff in Detroit. Everyone will start training camp learning a new system, so they’ll be on an equal playing field learning with their teammates. This gives them a strong opportunity to impress Monty’s staff and become rotation pieces. Both players have a unique skill set making them valuable in their own right. We’ll dive into their games, breaking them down with realistic player comparisons.

Marcus Sasser undersized with massive fire power, one of the most NBA-ready guards in this draft…

Make no mistake, Marcus Sasser is ready for this opportunity. The 6-foot-2 195 lbs. senior guard from the University of Houston was selected with the 25th pick. Sasser recorded 16.8 points 2.8 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game in his final season for the Cougars. He spearheaded the offense, proving to be a viable option as a three-level scoring threat. He’ll be an excellent addition to the bench, could be a replacement for veteran guard Cory Joseph in the rotation.

Here’s a few stats from Shot Quality via Twitter:

Scoring the basketball comes with ease to Sasser, utilizing a solid mid range game and floater out of the pick and roll. His three-point shot is promising, on 6.8 attempts he shot 38.4 percent from behind the long line. His catch and shoot numbers are more convincing that his shooting prowess will translate to the league. He shot around 45 percent in catch and shoot scenarios this ranked in the 95th percentile at the collegiate level.

Package that with the ability to create off the dribble and you have player who fits seamlessly next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Expect Marcus to make some noise early in Summer League looking to make his presence felt.

Although he has a natural scoring touch, he doesn’t shy away from the defensive end either. He disrupted action at the point of attack, using his length to his advantage at just 6-foot-2 with a 6-foot-7 wingspan. His stature makes him sneakily long, with a low center of gravity and strong lateral quickness. Staying in front of players and using his quick hands helped him average 1.6 steals last year.

He was an intricate part of one of college basketball’s most stifling defenses. The Cougars ranked 2nd in opponents scoring at an astonishing 57.5 points per game. Kelvin Sampson doesn’t play guards who can’t defend, Sasser is no different. His tenacity on that end of the floor helped Houston become tied for the 2nd ranked team in college with a 89.4 defensive rating.

Troy Weaver has mentioned that adding more defensive players will be on his agenda this summer and with Marcus he’s doubling down on that statement. He has a high IQ and doesn’t get rattled due to his maturity. He’s seen it all at the college level, he’s now ready to show and prove in the association. Watching film it’s obvious he plays with a chip on his shoulder and could become a fan favorite from day one.

Marcus Sasser is a legit two way guard who should excel in Detroit. His experience and ability to impact the game on both ends will earn him minutes as rookie. He’s a no nonsense guard who can score in bunches and fans should be happy to have him in Pistons blue next season. Not many defenders at the guard position possesses the scoring ability of Sasser. He reminds me of a perfect blend of Kyle Lowry (defensively) with a Jameer Nelson offensive package.

Player comparisons: Kyle Lowry (defense), Jameer Nelson (offense)

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