Jalen Duren’s Transformation: How the Young Center’s Evolving Game Is Redefining His Role and Impact for the Detroit Pistons

Detroit, MI – In a 2025-2026 NBA season brimming with captivating storylines, the Detroit Pistons’ resurgence stands out as one of the most unexpected and inspiring narratives. Once the league’s laughingstock, the Pistons now hold the top spot in the Eastern Conference, a feat unimaginable just a few years ago. While much of the spotlight has fallen on stars like Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, an often-overlooked contributor to this turnaround is Ausar Thompson. Drafted fifth overall in 2023, Thompson has quietly become a cornerstone of Detroit’s young core, displaying a multifaceted game that hints at future stardom.

Beyond the highlight reels and basic stat lines, there are hidden aspects of Thompson’s play—subtle skills and intangibles—that are shaping him into a potential elite two-way wing. Drawing comparisons to Kawhi Leonard for his defensive prowess and versatility, Thompson’s impact goes deeper than what meets the eye. This feature explores the underappreciated elements of his game, his journey to the NBA, and what these hidden strengths could mean for his trajectory and the Pistons’ future in a thrilling NBA landscape.

A Season of Surprises: Detroit’s Rise in a Dynamic NBA

The 2025-2026 NBA season has been a rollercoaster of excitement, with storylines unfolding across the league. The Oklahoma City Thunder are poised for a potential back-to-back championship run, Luka Dončić is on a historic scoring tear, and Victor Wembanyama is redefining basketball with otherworldly performances. Meanwhile, teams like the Indiana Pacers and Boston Celtics grapple with injuries to key players, shaking up the competitive balance.

Amidst this chaos, the Detroit Pistons have emerged as a revelation. Holding the No. 1 seed in the East for the first time in a generation, they’ve transformed from a perennial bottom-dweller to a legitimate contender. Credit often goes to Cade Cunningham, the 2021 No. 1 pick turned superstar, and Jalen Duren, a breakout center averaging 19 points and 12 rebounds this season. However, Ausar Thompson, a 2023 draftee, has quietly played a pivotal role in this ascent. While his contributions might not always dominate headlines, the hidden layers of his game are laying the foundation for a potential superstar career.

From Obscurity to Relevance: The Pistons’ Rebuild

The Pistons’ journey from laughingstock to contender is a testament to strategic rebuilding and player development. Not long ago, Detroit was synonymous with futility, losing more games than any team and becoming the butt of jokes even among loyal fans. Over the past few years, however, the franchise has meticulously assembled a promising young core through the draft, focusing on nurturing talent to reverse their fortunes.

The rebuild gained momentum with the 2021 draft, selecting Cade Cunningham first overall, who has since evolved into the team’s offensive linchpin. In 2022, Detroit added Jaden Ivey with the fifth pick and traded for Jalen Duren, the 13th overall selection, on draft night, bolstering their backcourt and frontcourt. The 2023 draft brought another key piece in Ausar Thompson, picked fifth overall, just one spot after his twin brother Amen, who went to the Houston Rockets. While Cunningham and Duren often steal the spotlight, Thompson’s role as a defensive and two-way asset has been instrumental in elevating the Pistons to their current heights.

Ausar Thompson’s Unconventional Journey: From Overtime Elite to NBA

Ausar Thompson’s path to the NBA was anything but typical, marked by choices that raised eyebrows but ultimately showcased his unique potential. Born in the Bay Area of California just a minute after his twin brother Amen, the Thompsons grew up dedicated to basketball, homeschooled to prioritize skill development. In eighth grade, they relocated to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, joining Pine Crest School’s varsity team as freshmen. Over four years, they dominated, culminating in a Florida State Championship as juniors.

Entering his senior year, Ausar was a five-star recruit per ESPN, with offers from elite programs like Kansas and Alabama. However, in a bold move, the twins opted to sign a two-year deal with Overtime Elite (OTE), a startup league for players aged 16 to 20, featuring only three teams in its inaugural season. At OTE, Ausar averaged 13 points in his first year, leading his team to the finals. The next season, alongside Amen on the City Reapers, he averaged 15.7 points and 6 rebounds, earning All-OTE First Team honors and hitting a critical shot in Game 2 of the finals to complete a sweep.

Heading into the 2023 NBA Draft, the twins were projected as top-10 picks, but skepticism lingered. Having played in a nascent league lacking the competitive depth of college basketball, they were viewed as untested. Concerns about their readiness and the time it might take to adapt to the NBA made Ausar a question mark. When the Pistons selected him fifth overall, it was a moment of vindication—a recognition of years of dedication and a skill set blending defense, athleticism, and raw potential. While some saw him as a symbol of a new generation of versatile NBA stars, others questioned if his game would translate. Yet, in a short time, Ausar has begun to silence doubters with a game that reveals hidden depths.

Beyond the Box Score: Thompson’s Statistical Growth

On the surface, Ausar Thompson’s stats tell a story of steady improvement. As a rookie, he averaged 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, showing promise as a defensive anchor while his offense lagged. His three-point shooting was a meager 12%, but his impact on the boards and defensively was undeniable. The Pistons wisely limited his offensive burden, allowing Cunningham to handle primary playmaking and scoring duties.

In his sophomore season, Thompson’s growth has been striking. He’s currently averaging around 14 points, 7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, nearly 2 steals, and 1 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 year. Multiple games with 2 or more steals and 2 or more blocks highlight his elite two-way ability, crucial for a Pistons team needing players who impact both ends of the court.

However, these numbers only scratch the surface. The true value of Thompson’s game lies in the overlooked aspects—intangibles and nuanced skills that don’t always appear in box scores but are shaping him into a potential future star.

Hidden Impact #1: Elite Defensive Instincts and Versatility

One of the most underappreciated facets of Ausar Thompson’s game is his defensive IQ and versatility. Standing at 6’7” with exceptional length and agility, he possesses physical tools that make him a nightmare for opponents. But it’s his awareness and anticipation that elevate him beyond a mere athletic defender. Thompson has a knack for reading passing lanes, often intercepting plays before they develop. His ability to switch seamlessly across multiple positions—guarding wings, forwards, and even bigs at times—makes him a matchup problem for any offense.

This versatility mirrors that of Kawhi Leonard, a future Hall of Famer renowned for his defensive impact. Like Leonard, Thompson can stay in front of quick guards or contest shots against taller forwards, showcasing relentless effort. His closeouts, ability to generate steals, and shot-contesting prowess disrupt opposing game plans. In an era where defensive adaptability is as valuable as scoring, Thompson’s ability to lock down the opponent’s best player—often without fanfare—adds a dimension to the Pistons’ identity that stats can’t fully capture.

Hidden Impact #2: Playmaking and Court Vision

While Thompson’s scoring and rebounding numbers are improving, his playmaking ability often flies under the radar. Averaging 3.5 assists per game this season, he demonstrates a growing capacity to create for others, particularly in transition. His speed and strength allow him to push the pace after defensive stops, finding open teammates with precise passes. This unselfishness is critical for a Pistons team that thrives on ball movement and fast breaks.

Unlike traditional playmakers who dominate the ball, Thompson’s assists often come from quick reads and opportunistic passes—hitting cutters or spotting shooters after driving and collapsing the defense. This subtle court vision enhances Detroit’s offensive flow, creating opportunities for Cunningham and Ivey to exploit. As he develops, refining this skill could transform him into a complete two-way wing, much like Leonard evolved from a defensive specialist into a well-rounded offensive threat.

Hidden Impact #3: Rim Pressure and Finishing Efficiency

Another overlooked aspect of Thompson’s game is his ability to attack the rim and finish through contact. While not yet a high-volume scorer, his speed and athleticism make him a consistent interior threat. His drives often force defenders to collapse, opening lanes for teammates via kickouts or dump-offs. This rim pressure, even if it doesn’t always result in points for him, creates spacing and opportunities for Detroit’s offense.

Thompson’s finishing ability—whether through layups off either foot or contorted shots in traffic—shows a finesse that belies his raw label. This skill echoes Leonard’s early career, where rim attacks and mid-range efficiency complemented defensive dominance before his outside shot fully developed. For Thompson, improving consistency in these areas could unlock a new level of offensive impact, making him a true dual-threat.

Hidden Impact #4: Intangibles—Calmness and Competitive Drive

Perhaps the most underappreciated element of Ausar Thompson’s game is his demeanor and competitive spirit. Like Kawhi Leonard, known for a stoic, focused approach, Thompson doesn’t get rattled or overly emotional. He maintains a calm, steady presence, always appearing determined and driven. This composure under pressure allows him to stay locked in during critical moments, whether it’s a defensive stop or a clutch play on offense.

The Pistons can trust Thompson because he consistently feels in control, ready to deliver when it matters most. This quiet intensity is a terrifying trait for opponents, as it pairs with his athleticism and skill to create a player who can swing games without needing the spotlight. In a young team prone to inconsistency, Thompson’s maturity and work ethic provide a stabilizing force, an intangible that could define his leadership potential as he grows.

The Leonard Comparison: A Blueprint for Stardom

The parallels between Ausar Thompson and Kawhi Leonard are striking, particularly in the hidden aspects of their games. Leonard, a multiple-time NBA champion and two-time Finals MVP, began his career with the San Antonio Spurs as a defensive specialist before evolving into one of the league’s premier 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.

Thompson, though still developing offensively, mirrors Leonard with his length, defensive instincts, and finishing ability around the basket. At 6’6”, he uses speed, agility, and anticipation to impact both ends, much like Leonard did early on. Both share the ability to manipulate defenses and control tempo with two-way play. Leonard excels with crafty footwork and patience on defense, while Thompson shows similar instincts with a more explosive style.

For Thompson to reach Leonard’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 deepen in the coming years, especially as Thompson is only in his third season and just hitting his stride

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The Future: Unlocking Thompson’s Full Potential

Could Ausar Thompson lead the Pistons to multiple championships like Kawhi Leonard has with the Spurs and Raptors? While it’s early to predict, 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, Thompson 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, Thompson’s hidden impact—elite defense, subtle playmaking, rim pressure, and intangibles—complements their star-studded core. Holding the top spot in the East, Detroit has surprised the league, and with Thompson’s two-way contributions, they’re poised to remain contenders. His height, length, and instincts already make him a rising star, and a more reliable jumper could elevate him to unguardable status.

Beyond individual growth, Thompson’s development could redefine the Pistons’ identity. His ability to guard multiple positions and create offensively in understated ways provides balance to a roster heavy on scoring talent. As he hones these overlooked skills, he could emerge as the defensive anchor and versatile wing that propels Detroit deep into the playoffs.

Conclusion: The Understated Star of Detroit’s Revival

Ausar Thompson is more than a supporting piece in the Detroit Pistons’ remarkable resurgence; he’s a potential future star whose hidden impact is shaping the team’s present and future. From elite defensive instincts and versatility to subtle playmaking, rim pressure, and unshakable composure, the overlooked aspects of his game reveal a player with the tools to transcend expectations. His journey—from an untested Overtime Elite prospect to a two-way force drawing comparisons to Kawhi Leonard—embodies perseverance and raw talent.

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 multifaceted gem whose underappreciated skills could define the franchise for years. The Pistons are back, and with Ausar Thompson’s hidden impact leading the way, the ceiling is limitless.