Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson's path to Rookie of the Year

Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson’s path to Rookie of the Year

MONTREAL, CANADA - OCTOBER 12: Ousmane Dieng #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder falls onto Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons during the second half of a preseason NBA game at Bell Centre on October 12, 2023 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Detroit Pistons defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 128-125. 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 Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

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Ousmane Dieng #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder falls onto Ausar Thompson #9 of the Detroit Pistons (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images) /

Ausar Thompson’s path to Rookie of the Year

Help from the other Pistons

Whether it’s the NFL, MLB, or the NBA – rarely does the league’s MVP belong to a loser. The Pistons are going to need to win some games for their players to get recognized as being worthy of accolades like 6th Man of the Year, or Most Improved Player. They’re coming off a forgettable 17-win campaign so in some regards, the bar is low. If they can double that output, and maybe even make a convincing run at a .500 season, individual recognition will come.

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The list of potential Rookie of the Year candidates is a long one that includes Ausar’s twin brother Amen. It’s fraught with rookie walls and steep competition. Whether the Detroit Pistons elevate themselves higher than the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Charlotte Hornets, and Oklahoma City Thunder is a vital question that will not only be an indicator in the Rookie of the Year race, but also, future clashes for the Larry O’Brien trophy.

So all Ausar Thompson has to do is average a double-double, be the defensive anchor for the Detroit Pistons while leading all rookies in combined steals and blocks. Sounds like a challenge, but one Ausar Thompson will be up to.

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