Victor Wembanyama has already accomplished some spectacular feats in his young career, including two 5x5 games where he had at least five points, rebounds, assists, steals and blocks. It’s a rare achievement in the NBA, but one Ausar Thompson could match next season.
That’s according to The Game Theory podcast, whose hosts Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon are big believers in Thompson having a breakout season.
Vecenie went as far as to predict a stat line of somewhere around 14-15 points, 8-9 rebounds 3-4 assists and a selection to the All-Defense team, which would be exactly what the Pistons are hoping for.
Ausar and his brother Amen are athletic aliens who do a little of everything, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see this prediction come true and one of them join Wembanyama in the exclusive 5x5 club.
Even if Ausar Thompson doesn’t accomplish this feat, he is poised for a breakout season on a team searching for its second star.
Ausar Thompson will be given every opportunity to shine for the Detroit Pistons
There has been endless talk about the Pistons’ need for a second star and whether Jaden Ivey can be that guy, but to me, Ausar Thompson is the more likely candidate.
He was the far more impactful player last season and makes all types of plays that affect winning, even if he never takes a jumper. The Pistons had the best defensive rating in the league after he joined the starting five last year, and we’ve not yet seen the best of Ausar Thompson.
This will be his first full offseason as an NBA professional, and given Ausar’s renowned work ethic, I am certain he will make the most of it and that we’ll see a much more polished player next season, especially in terms of his ball handling and passing.
With the Pistons going with a backup point guard by committee approach next season, Thompson will get a chance to be more of a playmaker. He’ll need to improve his handles, but it’s something he’s reportedly been working on this offseason along with putting on additional strength.
Fans tend to focus on Ausar’s shooting, but he has a chance to be an impactful offensive player with his playmaking, offensive rebounding, and cutting even if he doesn’t take any 3-point shots.
Wembanyama is always going to be the darling of the 2023 draft, but the Thompson twins have a chance to make their mark next season in ways we’ve rarely seen in the NBA.