Ausar Thompson and Keyonte George both signed similar extensions within hours of each other, but that’s about all they have in common.
George had his breakout season last year, averaging over 23 points and six assists on respectable 45/37/89 shooting splits, looking like a player who will be a future offensive star.
Thompson had his breakout in a much different way, as he didn’t even average double digits last season, but was the best perimeter defender in the league, which earned him first-team All-Defensive honors.
George is a scorer who many metrics showed to be one of the worst defenders in the NBA last season, while Thompson was a defensive disruptor who can't shoot a lick.
Both guys signed for essentially the same deal, with their teams making opposite bets. The Jazz hope George will be able to defend well enough not be a liability in the playoffs (if they ever get there), and the Pistons are hoping offensive improvements will make Ausar a two-way star.
It’s an interesting juxtaposition of players, but which one is the bigger risk?
Ausar Thompson and his defense are a safe bet
First off, I think both of these players are relatively safe bets on the contracts they just signed.
George is a budding offensive superstar, and Thompson is already one of the league’s best defenders, so given their current skillsets, their contracts should age well over time.
I am completely and totally biased here, but for me, Thompson is the far safer bet, as we’ve already seen him perform well in the playoffs.
Weak defenders get targeted in the playoffs, and we see guys run from rotations just as often for their lack of defense as we do their lack of shooting. Thompson was one of Detroit’s best players in the playoffs last season, and they didn’t have to yank him because of his offense.
I also think it’s FAR more likely that Thompson develops some kind of offensive game than George suddenly becoming a passable defender, as he is basically a traffic cone at this point in his career and a guy other teams are going to target relentlessly in pick and roll action.
Thompson also plays a more important position on the wing and as a guy who can guard 1-4 and take on the other team’s best player every night. Those skills play even when the shot isn’t falling. It's not as difficult to find guards who can score.
Both Thompson and George are exciting players with very different skills on the opposite ends of the offensive/defensive spectrum. The next five years will show us which team made the smarter bet with their respective contracts and if either player adds the other half to their game.
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