Ausar Thompson had to watch his brother Amen Thompson make first-team All-Defense last season and I am sure part of him was happy for his twin. But you know Ausar wanted to be there himself, and will go into the offseason with a big chip on his shoulder, which could help him overtake his brother as arguably the best perimeter defender in the game.
On a recent episode of Yahoo Sports podcast, Vincent Goodwill said the Amen Thompson was “arguably the best perimeter defender in the NBA” which is why he was looking forward to Houston’s first matchup with OKC and MVP Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, which will be one of the NBA’s early featured games next season.
I’m glad he added the word “arguably,” as there is certainly an argument and the biggest one could end up coming from Amen’s twin brother Ausar, who has set some lofty goals for himself next season, including taking the title of the best defender in the league.
Ausar wasn’t eligible for All-Defense last season because he didn’t play 65 games, which is the threshold for awards, but as long as he does next season, he’ll have a good chance to at least put himself in the argument.
Ausar Thompson: Exposure and focus on defense
Ausar Thompson’s defense got plenty of exposure last season in the playoffs in some high-profile games against the Knicks and Jalen Brunson.
Thompson was smothering at times, and the Pistons did hold Brunson to 43 percent shooting overall, though he obviously had some big games. Thompson kept him in check in game five and Brunson gave him props after the game, saying “that dude was tough to play against.”
All of this will help put Ausar on the national radar, which isn’t important for his defensive improvement, but is important for winning awards, as people have to know who you are.
What will help is Thompson’s focus on defense this summer. People have made a lot about the offensive improvements Thompson needs to make, namely shooting the ball more accurately, tightening up his handles and being a better playmaker.
All of those things are great, but Thompson needs to lean into where he is elite, which is defense and rebounding. I couldn’t care less if Thompson shoots a 3-pointer next season if he’s an elite defender who guards four positions, makes plays with the ball and as a cutter.
We’ll see Thompson put on additional strength in his first full offseason as an NBA pro, which should help him take on bigger forwards if the Pistons need him to play up.
You know Ausar is keen to show he’s the best defender in the family, and it’s possible we’ll see twins on the first-team Al-Defensive team for the first time in NBA history next season.