Ausar Thompson just showed the skeptics why the Detroit Pistons are happy to wait for him to realize his full potential. Thompson was everywhere against the Washington Wizards, offering value in every phase of the game and showing a refreshing level of assertiveness as a scorer.
In the process, Thompson showcased the All-Star potential that Detroit knows he has and was willing to pay for despite him still needing time to truly get there.
Thompson finished Detroit's Nov. 12 clash with the Wizards with 17 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, three blocks, and three steals. He attempted 15 field goals, converting eight and pulling down four offensive boards along the way.
Most importantly, Thompson refused to give in to the passive tendencies that have limited his impact in the past and delivered one of his best performances thus far.
In many ways, it was a preview of the type of player that Detroit is confident Thompson can become. The type of player who can not only rank among the NBA's elite on the defensive end of the floor, but stuff the stat sheet in every phase of the game.
If this truly is a sign of things to come, then Thompson and the Pistons are inching closer to a level of play that the Eastern Conference isn't ready to see.
Ausar Thompson drops a triple-double in Pistons win
Defensively, Thompson's status as one of the best players in the NBA is unquestioned. He's perhaps the most versatile defender in the Association, offering elite value as a lockdown on-ball specialist, an elite off-ball threat who can block shots and create turnovers, and a force who can run opponents off the three-point line.
That alone gives Thompson a case for All-Star status if defensive proficiency is as important to voters and coaches as offensive consistency.
What can put Thompson's case into the realm of the undeniable is if he manages to sustain what he did against Washington. Clearly, finishing with a triple-double is not something that should be expected. What he can do, however, is prove that defenses can't sag off of him.
Thompson is beginning to prove as much by crashing the offensive glass, involving himself in the motion offense without needing to be the play finisher, and creating for himself and others.
That all came together in a perfect storm against Washington. The Wizards would play 4-on-5 and Thompson would punish them by creating second chances. It would press up on him and he'd break them down with his dribble. Yes, he still needs to develop a consistent jump shot, but if he can do this on a regular basis, offense won't be the issue it's been in the past.
There's still a mountain to climb as an offensive player, but Thompson showed the Pistons what his All-Star potential could yield with a phenomenal showing against the Wizards.
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