SLAM Magazine’s most recent issue features a cover story of the NBA’s hottest sibling rivalry: twins Amen and Ausar Thompson. Both are coming off their first playoff run and excited to make another leap going into their third season. Reading through the interview reminded me of a crucial and realistic step in Ausar’s development - he doesn’t need to reinvent himself but rather just build on the skills that he and his brother already show.
Ausar Thompson doesn't need to re-invent the wheel for the Detroit Pistons
With Ausar Thompson in particular, it’s easy for fans’ imagination to soar. He is one of the most athletically gifted players in the history of the NBA and shows a great feel for the game, especially on defense and in transition.
Many Pistons fans are able to talk themselves into him being able to do anything on the court, including completely revamping his game to better fit the team’s needs.
This has included calls for Ausar to fit into a lot of different roles, ranging from backup point guard to spot up shooter or bulking up to be a legitimate power forward. Rather than trying to completely change his game or physique for short-term benefit, Ausar should lean in more to his natural skillset while gradually improving his weaknesses on the fringes.
Last season, Ausar was already the Pistons’ second best player and the driving force of the top-10 defense that helped the team finish the season so strong. It’s no coincidence that the team’s defense, record and ability to get out in transition improved significantly as Ausar got back to full health.
So far in their respective careers, Amen has been touted more highly as a player and prospect than Ausar. But they both have the same alien athleticism and even offensive feel; Ausar just hasn’t had as much opportunity to showcase it.
Both began their careers with a top pick from the 2021 draft, but Jalen Green is not dominating possessions the same way that Cade Cunningham is. And that’s not a knock on Cade either - he’s talented enough to warrant a ball-dominant playstyle where the offense completely revolves around him in the halfcourt. But Amen has gotten the luxury of playing in a more egalitarian offense without the presence of a dominant All-NBA guard. And yes Alperen Sengun was selected as an All-Star last year but he is not the same type of engine that Cade is.
Amen has gotten more opportunities to handle the ball and showcase his offensive talent than Ausar, but opportunities in a similar role could be coming for Ausar in the near future. He has reportedly been focusing on his ball-handling and shot-making in the offseason, and the front office seems excited about this development.
On defense, Ausar is arguably already one of the very best in the league. It was Amen who was named to the All-Defensive First Team last year but Ausar might be even better on that end. Amen frequently played with other strong defenders such as Tari Eason and Dillon Brooks causing havoc on the perimeter but Ausar played with a weaker defensive cast and still had a slightly better defensive rating (108.0 vs 108.1).
Ausar Thompson’s next step into an All-Star level talent doesn’t have to involve a completely remodeling of his game. Instead, he just needs to keep focusing on what makes him so special. If he can come into next season with more offensive intensity, preferably looking more like his brother on that end, and maintain his world-class defense, he’s already everything the Pistons could ask for.