After another tough loss at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks, it could be easy for Detroit Pistons fans to get discouraged. The team is currently 2-7, in the midst of a 6-game losing streak, and there are major question marks surrounding Jaden Ivey, who at one time was thought to be a franchise cornerstone.
Not ideal.
The general vibe of the Pistons fanbase seems to be one of conflict. Takes are being tossed around about Monty Williams’ coaching, the standing of one Killian Hayes, and the spacing problems surrounding Cade Cunningham.
In this time of early season speedbumps, I think it’s time we focus on one thing we all can agree on…we got one in Ausar Thompson.
The word generational gets tossed around a little too often in NBA circles. So and so is a generational scorer, so and so is a generational prospect…blah blah blah. The word has lost some of its luster.
But when Ausar Thompson keeps pumping out stat lines that evoke the names Ralph Sampson and Kevin Garnett, it’s hard not to use that word. It seems like a nightly occurrence that the phrase “first rookie since..” is written before an Ausar stat.
The Detroit Pistons have a generational stat-sheet stuffer in Ausar. He may not be able to shoot yet, he might be a little out of control at times, and sometimes he finds himself out of position – but both eye test and numbers tell us that when he is on floor, good things happen.
In just nine career games, it’s clear that Ausar can become some elite version of a glue guy, with Defensive Player of the Year upside. And this doesn’t even include his potential as a playmaker and a scorer.
I know I might be getting ahead of myself, but I don’t think enough words can be written about a 20-year-old prospect who seems to be built in basketball factory.
It’s rare to see a blue-chipper doing the little things on the court with such ferocity and the best part is Ausar Thompson is being rewarded for it. The attention is just beginning.
Ausar Thompson stats: on pace for most offensive rebounds per game by a rookie in almost 30 years
Starting off with a little historical stat here. Let’s play a game. Ausar Thompson is on pace to average the most offensive rebounds per game by a rookie in 30 years…can you guess the player?
If you said Shaquille O’Neal in his 1992-1993 rookie season then you are correct.
Ausar’s 4.1 offensive rebounds per game shatter any numbers put up this century and put him right up there with some of the best rookie seasons ever.
But wait there’s more. A quick look at the list reveals that there are no guards or wings in sight. Ausar might be crashing the offensive glass more than any rookie perimeter player ever.
If I were to try to come up with a reason these numbers are so high, I could point out that Ausar’s time spent off the ball gives him a better chance to grab offensive boards. It could also be due to the Detroit Pistons’ overall cold shooting, but let’s not focus on those things.
Ausar Thompson clearly has a gift for getting his hands on the ball. Some guys are just like that. A mix of elite athleticism, positional awareness, and overall effort generates this level of stat-sheet-stuffing.
Ausar Thompson stats: Top 3 in the rookie class in all major categories
When it comes to his peers, no one is doing it on both ends of the floor quite like Ausar Thompson.
Victor Wembanyama and Chet Holmgren are playing great and deserve all the recognition they can get, but Thompson has to be the surprise story of the class so far.
He is 1st in the class in total rebounds by almost 20, 2nd in assists, 3rd in points, 3rd in blocks, and 1st in steals.
The rebounding numbers are absurd considering he gives up almost a foot to Wemby and Chet.
Blocks are also something to look at here. He is on pace to average more blocks than Anthony Davis’ rookie season and a quick look down the whole list reveals there really isn’t any precedent for a wing player putting up these numbers as a rookie.
I mean I guess I’ll say it. The most blocks per game by a guard in a single season in NBA history is Michael Jordan with 1.6. Other names on this list include Julius Erving, Tracy McGrady, and Dwyane Wade.
If you consider Ausar Thompson a guard, he could be number one on this list by the end of the season. He currently sits at 1.8 per game. No words.
Other than maybe I should include that was Michael Jordan’s Defensive Player of the Year season.
Ausar Thompson stats: only player in the NBA top 15 in rebounds, blocks, and steals
For this category, I’ll try to not name-drop another NBA great, but Ausar is making it a little difficult.
So far this season, Ausar Thompson is top 15 in the NBA in total rebounds, blocks, and steals.
His name is listed among the best centers in the league for the rebounds and blocks categories and alongside the top guards when you bring up the steals…a true anomaly.
This is the best place to point out that the three stats listed are true effort stats. If you play enough minutes and play hard enough, results will come.
The thing about Ausar is there’s more to it than just him busting his butt. He is in great spots positionally. The instincts are there, something that only comes from playing basketball.
I don’t know if this will put an end to the argument that if you don’t play traditional college basketball, the fundamentals won’t be there but it’s probably a good place to start. (Don’t worry, Jalen Green is always available to make the traditional college hoops route look better)
Somehow Ausar learned how to play well within a team, play mature and patient defense, and that effort wins out. I don’t really think this came from his time at Overtime Elite, I think it might just be who he is.
And fortunately enough for the Detroit Pistons, this guy wants to be here wearing the blue and red. Or the black and red. Or teal. Or whatever jersey we pull out next.