Ausar Thompson can catch his twin without taking a 3-point shot

Even though Ausar and Amen Thompson are twins, they entered the NBA with very different skillsets, as Ausar was the better defender and Amen the better offensive prospect. 

That has held true in the NBA so far, as Amen averaged over 18 points per game last season and Ausar led the league in steals and made first team All-Defense. 

They both have near supernatural athleticism and play great defense, but Amen has been the better scorer and creator so far, which is an area where Ausar Thompson has to improve. 

That starts with tightening up his handle, but Ausar also has to improve a particular part of his shot diet. 

Ausar Thompson around the rim 

If you look at their shooting numbers, it’s clear where Ausar Thompson needs to improve if he wants to catch up to his twin offensively. 

Both players were poor 3-point shooters, with Ausar actually a tick better, though the difference is 25 percent to 21, so it’s bad either way. 

If Ausar never takes another 3-pointer, it won’t matter to me, but the Pistons do need him to be a more aggressive and efficient finisher around the rim, as that’s the area where Amen is doing most of his damage. 

Amen Thompson shot 68.3 percent on shots under five feet last season, which is outstanding. Jalen Duren only shot a bit higher than that, and he was one of the most efficient players in the league from the dunker spot. 

Ausar was 65 percent on these shots, which isn’t bad, but he can be better. Thompson needs to go more aggressively at the rim in these situations, as he often gets a little too cute around the rim, trying to double pumps instead of just going up strong. 

But the real area of concern is shots between 5-9 feet. Amen shot 47.8 percent on these shots, which is pretty good for his position. To put it in perspective, most of the players who shoot higher than that from the floater spot are big men with guys like Nikola Jokic and Jaren Jackson Jr. taking the most attempts and hitting 56-58 percent of them. 

Luka Doncic hits 56 percent from the floater area, and Jalen Brunson hits 48.6 percent, so this is an area where the league’s top scorers excel. It’s an area that Cade Cunningham needs to improve, as he hit just 39 percent last season. 

But this is about Ausar, who shot a paltry 32 percent on shots between 5-9 feet last season. This is a spot he can get to almost at will, and when he pulls up from there, it’s very difficult to defend. 

That doesn’t matter unless he makes more of them, as twin brother Amen is not only taking more attempts from this spot but making a much higher percentage of them. 

Ausar Thompson has to be more aggressive finishing around the rim, which will bump up his scoring average closer to Amen’s and doesn’t require him to make 3-point shots. 

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