After a disastrous 14-win season last year, the Detroit Pistons have turned things around in a major way. Over halfway through the 2024-25 season, the Pistons are 29-26 and own the No. 6 seed in the Eastern Conference. Their 29 wins so far this season are already their most since 2018-19. Furthermore, after five consecutive seasons as a bottom-three team in the East, the Pistons look primed for a playoff appearance. Most of the Pistons’ success is the jump from Cade Cunningham and the additions of veterans like Malik Beasley and Tobias Harris. However, another important contributor to this Pistons team is Ausar Thompson, who Detroit drafted fifth overall last year.
This season, Thompson is putting together a solid campaign and has come into his own over the last month. While he still has room to grow, the California native is proving his worth, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
Recently, Thompson made a bold claim, calling himself “the best perimeter defender in the league.” Additionally, the second-year forward revealed that he wants to win the Defensive Player of the Year award.
“I think I’m the best perimeter defender in the league. That’s what I believe. I don’t think I’m a near and finished product, though. I think I can get over screens better. I think I can be locked in at all times better. I want to be NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But it’s so hard with Wemby because he is going to get four blocks every game. It’s something that I think is possible though,” Thompson said.
Detroit Pistons Young Star Makes Bold Claim, Reveals Lofty Season Goals
Detroit Pistons Organization Has Praised Ausar Thompson
In just his second season, Thompson is already leaving an impact on his teammates. Recently Harris spoke about the 22-year-old, praising his growing confidence (subscription required).
“He’s just putting it all together now and it’s great to see,” forward Tobias Harris said. “Every player has their own journey and I just think that you’re seeing him blossom into his game and really figure out his spots on the floor. … As he continues to gain that confidence in his game all around, he’s going to be a hell of a player in this league.”
Additionally, head coach J.B. Bickerstaff spoke highly about Thompson, calling him “an elite playmaker” (YouTube link).
“He’s growing into his role that this team needs him to be. Offensively, we need him to be a threat. He is an elite playmaker. Some of the passes he made tonight, the pass he caught in the pocket on the baseline cut and then wrapped around and threw it to Tobias [Harris]. The last one where he left his feet to catch the lob and tipped it back to JD (Jalen Duren). He’s a special passer and playmaker, but now you see his confidence growing as he’s finishing at the rim… And defenses have to account for him. So now, he just adds and is another weapon for us.”
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