Ausar Thompson’s Hidden Impact: The Overlooked Aspects of His Game That Could Make Him a Future Star in the NBA

Detroit, MI – The 2025-2026 NBA season has been a thrilling spectacle, bursting with captivating storylines across the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised for a potential back-to-back championship run, the Indiana Pacers are crumbling without Tyrese Haliburton, and the Boston Celtics are grappling with challenges in Jason Tatum’s absence. Luka Dončić is on a historic scoring tear, and Victor Wembanyama is redefining what’s possible on the court. Amidst this whirlwind of excitement, one unexpected narrative has emerged: the Detroit Pistons, long a punchline in the NBA, are finally relevant again, holding the top spot in the Eastern Conference for the first time in a generation.

While much of the credit for Detroit’s turnaround has gone to stars like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, an underrated yet pivotal piece of their success is the ascent of Ausar Thompson. Drafted fifth overall in 2023, Thompson is blossoming into a two-way force, drawing comparisons to a current NBA icon and multiple-time champion, Kawhi Leonard. This feature delves into Thompson’s journey, the Leonard parallel, and what his rise means for the Pistons’ newfound prominence in a thrilling NBA landscape.

A Season of Surprises: The NBA’s Electrifying Start

The NBA has delivered a fun and unpredictable year for basketball fans. The Thunder’s dominance hints at a repeat title, while the Pacers and Celtics struggle with key absences. Dončić’s scoring exploits and Wembanyama’s otherworldly play have captivated audiences. Yet, in Detroit, a different kind of magic is unfolding. The Pistons, once the league’s laughingstock with a painful history of losses, have transformed into one of the most talented rosters in the NBA, sitting atop the East—a feat unimaginable just a few years ago.

This resurgence is a testament to strategic rebuilding and player development. While Cade Cunningham, the 2021 No. 1 overall pick turned superstar, and Jalen Duren, a breakout center averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds this season, often steal the spotlight, Ausar Thompson’s contributions have been critical. His emergence as a defensive anchor and two-way threat has added a unique dimension to Detroit’s young core, propelling them into contention and drawing parallels to one of the game’s elite.

From Laughingstock to Contender: The Pistons’ Rebuild

Not long ago, the Pistons were synonymous with futility, losing more games than any team and earning a dubious place in league history. Devoted fans endured years of mockery as the team languished at the bottom of the standings. However, over the last few seasons, Detroit has meticulously built a promising young core through the draft, focusing on development to turn their fortunes around.

The rebuild began in earnest with the 2021 draft, where the Pistons selected Cade Cunningham first overall. Cunningham has since evolved into a superstar, anchoring the team’s offense. In 2022, Detroit added Jaden Ivey with the fifth pick and traded for Jalen Duren, the 13th overall selection, on draft night. Duren’s breakout performance this season as a dominant big man has solidified the frontcourt.

Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, all eyes were on elite athletic prospects. Although the Pistons missed out on a generational talent in the lottery, they struck gold by drafting Ausar Thompson fifth overall, one pick after his twin brother Amen, who went to the Houston Rockets. Ausar has quickly become the defensive and two-way jewel of Detroit’s young core, complementing Cunningham, Ivey, and Duren to form a roster brimming with potential.

Ausar Thompson’s Unconventional Path: From Overtime Elite to NBA Star

Ausar Thompson wasn’t always seen as a highly sought-after prospect. Born in the Bay Area of California just a minute after his twin brother Amen, the Thompsons grew up as dedicated hoopers, homeschooled to focus on their skills. In eighth grade, they moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, playing for Pine Crest School. Both made varsity as eighth graders and dominated over the next four years, winning a Florida State Championship as juniors.

Entering his senior year, Ausar was named a five-star recruit by ESPN, holding offers from top programs like Kansas and Alabama. However, in a bold move, the twins shocked the basketball world by signing a two-year deal with Overtime Elite (OTE), a startup league for players aged 16 to 20 with only three teams in its inaugural season. At OTE, Ausar averaged 13 points in his first year, leading his team to the finals. The following season, playing alongside Amen on the City Reapers, he averaged 15.7 points and 6 rebounds, earning All-OTE First Team honors. In the OTE Finals, Ausar hit a critical shot in Game 2 to complete a sweep.

Going into the 2023 draft, many projected the twins as top-10 picks, but skepticism lingered. Having played in a nascent league lacking the competitive depth of college basketball, they were seen as untested. Concerns about their readiness for the NBA and the time it might take to reach relevancy made them question marks. Teams often shy away from such risks, and as draft day approached, doubts persisted despite growing excitement around Ausar’s combination of size, athleticism, and two-way impact.

When the Pistons selected him fifth overall, it was a moment of vindication for Ausar’s unconventional journey. The pick was more than a draft position; it was recognition of years of dedication, sacrifice, and a skill set blending defense, explosiveness, and raw potential. Some saw him as a symbol of a new generation of NBA stars—versatile, fearless, and ready to redefine dominance on both ends. Others questioned whether his style would translate seamlessly to the league. Yet, with big risks come big rewards, and if Ausar panned out, he could be a cornerstone for Detroit for years to come.

Proving the Doubters Wrong: Thompson’s Rapid Ascent

After just a short time in the NBA, it became clear that worries about Ausar Thompson were unfounded. His talent, paired with that of his twin brother Amen, was off the charts. Though initially seen as a raw prospect, Ausar fit perfectly into Detroit’s young core alongside Cunningham, Ivey, and Duren. The Pistons’ decision to draft him provided an immediate boost to their rebuilding process.

Early in his rookie season, Ausar showed potential as the team’s defensive anchor before his offense caught up. He averaged just 8.8 points per game but posted an impressive 6.4 rebounds and proved to be a nightmare on defense. The Pistons wisely didn’t overload him with offensive responsibility, allowing Cunningham to handle most of the playmaking and scoring. By season’s end, however, Ausar began flashing two-way dominance, even with a meager 12% three-point shooting rate. Fans were eager to see more, believing he could be the future of the franchise.

In his sophomore year, Ausar’s growth has been remarkable. He’s currently averaging around 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, nearly 2 steals, and a block per game in 30 minutes a night. His three-point shooting has improved to 30%—still with room to grow but a significant leap from last season. On defense, he’s a beast, capable of guarding the opponent’s best player and locking them down. Multiple games with 2 or more steals and 2 or more blocks this season showcase his elite two-way ability, vital for a Pistons team needing players who impact both ends of the court.

Why Ausar Excels: The Tools of a Two-Way Star

How has Ausar Thompson made such a leap this season? Several factors stand out. First, he’s a gifted athlete. Standing at 6’7”, his physical tools—agility, defensive instincts, and length—make him a nightmare for opponents. His ability to impact the game beyond scoring makes him one of the most exciting young players in the league.

Second, his defensive IQ is exceptional. Ausar possesses an awareness that allows him to anticipate plays before they unfold. His knack for reading passing lanes, switching seamlessly across multiple positions, and contesting shots is reminiscent of a future Hall of Famer, Kawhi Leonard. Then there’s his ability to get to the rim—Ausar’s speed, strength, and finishing make him a consistent interior threat, often forcing defenders to collapse and opening lanes for teammates.

Like Leonard, Ausar’s defensive versatility is incredible. He can guard wings, forwards, and even bigs at times, making him a matchup nightmare. Whether staying in front of guards or contesting shots against taller forwards, he’s relentless. The modern NBA values versatility, IQ, and adaptability over pure scoring, and prospects like Ausar—who can improve a jumper but can’t be taught elite defensive instincts and freak athleticism—are invaluable. Thompson exemplifies the new-age player who impacts the game without needing a lethal outside shot.

Finally, like Kawhi, Ausar does it all with a calm demeanor. He doesn’t get overly emotional or lose focus; he keeps his attitude in check, always appearing determined and driven. The Pistons can trust him because he feels in control and ready to deliver—a terrifying combination for opponents.

Numbers and Impact: Thompson vs. Leonard

Ausar’s sophomore stats—14 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block per game—highlight his two-way prowess. His ability to take over games without a dominant outside shot mirrors Kawhi Leonard’s early career with the San Antonio Spurs. Leonard, now a multiple-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, started as a defensive specialist before evolving into one of the league’s elite two-way wings. His measured footwork, high IQ, and long reach made him a nightmare in isolation and on switches, while his mid-range game and rim attacks added offensive potency.

Ausar, still developing offensively, already mirrors Leonard with his length, defense, and finishing ability around the basket. At 6’6”, he uses speed, agility, and anticipation to impact both ends, much like Leonard. Both share the ability to manipulate defenses, break down opponents in isolation, and control tempo with two-way play. Leonard excels with crafty footwork and patience on defense, while Ausar shows similar instincts with a more explosive style. His closeouts, shot contests, and steal generation make him a defensive menace, and his athleticism keeps him a transition threat.

For Ausar to reach Kawhi’s level, his offensive game needs a reliable jumper. A consistent pull-up or catch-and-shoot ability would prevent defenders from sagging off him, opening more driving lanes and finishing opportunities. Already resembling Leonard in defensive mentality and impact, the similarities could grow even more in the years ahead, especially as Ausar is only in his third season and just hitting his stride.

The Future: Can Thompson Reach Leonard’s Heights?

Could Ausar Thompson lead the Pistons to multiple championships like Kawhi Leonard has with the Spurs and Raptors? Only time will tell, but there’s every reason to believe a title awaits him during his career. With time, refinement in shooting, and continued growth in IQ and athleticism, Ausar has all the tools to become a player of Leonard’s caliber. The scary truth is that he’s ascended as one of the best breakout young stars this season while still refining his perimeter game—he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.

For the Pistons, Ausar’s emergence alongside Cunningham, Ivey, and Duren signals a bright future. Holding the top spot in the East, Detroit has surprised the league, and with Thompson’s two-way impact, they’re poised to keep contending. His height, length, and defensive instincts already make him one of the best rising stars, and a more reliable jumper could elevate him to unguardable status.

Conclusion: A New Defensive Anchor for Detroit

Ausar Thompson is more than a draft steal; he’s a cornerstone of the Detroit Pistons’ remarkable resurgence. From a questionable prospect out of Overtime Elite to a two-way force drawing comparisons to Kawhi Leonard, Thompson’s journey embodies perseverance, adaptability, and raw talent. His defensive prowess, athleticism, and growing offensive game have helped transform a once-forgotten franchise into an Eastern Conference powerhouse.

As the NBA season unfolds with its myriad surprises, Thompson’s rise stands out as a testament to the power of development and vision. Whether he can fully replicate Leonard’s championship pedigree remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Detroit has found a defensive anchor and two-way star whose potential could define the franchise for years. The Pistons are back, and with Ausar Thompson leading the charge, the future is brighter than ever.