Ausar Thompson's unorthodox contributions may remind Pistons fans of another alien

Ausar Thompson only scored six points last night, but he was arguably the most impactful player on the floor and one of the big reasons the Pistons survived to play a game six. 

Thompson led the Pistons in rebounds with 15, in assists with six, in steals with five and also added two blocks to lead the team. It was the kind of unorthodox stat line you’ll get from Thompson, who can affect a game without even taking a shot. 

There were times last night when Ausar’s effort carried the Pistons, as he was everywhere on the boards, grabbing loose balls and getting his hands on everything. 

We’ve heard so much about Thompson’s lack of shooting, but I honestly don’t care if the guy ever learns to shoot, as there is precedent for uber athletic defenders and rebounders winning a lot of rings in this league, some of them with the Pistons. 

Ausar Thompson is like Dennis Rodman without the antics 

For those of you who are too young to have watched Rodman, Ausar Thompson is pretty much the closest thing we’ve seen since. I said years ago that Thompson could be the most athletic Pistons player of all time, but right now that title probably goes to Rodman, who also had that elite quickness and leaping ability that Thompson displays. 

Rodman was also a guy who couldn’t shoot and never learned to. In fact, in the latter stages of his career, Rodman would barely look at the rim and even taking a free throw was like a chore for him. 

Rodman made his bones on defense and on the boards, just like Thompson did last night, and often did it in exciting fashion, just like Ausar.  

Both guys had the ability to cover the whole floor 

One thing that really stands out about this comp is how good Rodman was, and Thompson is about making an impact all over the floor. They close out with the intent to block shots, and nothing is safe when they are roaming around. 

They go after the ball with a singular focus and won’t be denied a loose ball. Rodman led the league in rebounds a bunch of times and was recognized with SEVEN selections to the first team All-Defensive squad, but he only averaged double digits once in his career. Like Ausar, his highlights were steals, blocked shots and dives into the crowd for loose balls.

And what a career it was, as Rodman has five rings between his time in Detroit and Chicago, and he was one of the big reasons for those championships even though he never could shoot. 

The relentless energy and elite athleticism of Ausar Thompson are Rodman-esque, and even if Thompson never learns how to shoot, he will be a huge factor in whatever playoff success the Pistons have. 

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