Minutes after the Rockets picked his brother as the 4th pick, Ausar Thompson was selected 5th overall by the Pistons. A player who according to the GM, Troy Weaver, was a priority for Detroit.
“We were very keen on the idea of selecting Ausar in 5th position, if it were to still be available” says Troy Weaver. “We were hoping he would still be available, and when he was, we were thrilled. He was very high in our table for a while ”.
Coming out of the Overtime Elite program, like his brother, he averaged 16.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.7 steals and 1.3 blocks, though the level of this league can make those stats misleading.
“You can say that when you see something different, something exceptional, you know it” replied the GM, before making a funny comparison. “Halle Berry is beautiful at church or at the grocery store.”
Convinced by his defense
While his well-above-average athleticism caught the eye of all scouts, it was Ausar Thompson’s defense that caught the Pistons’ attention. His versatility and his ability to defend on the outside positions would fill a void that the GM of the franchise had highlighted as a priority.
“We think he can really become an elite defender on the outside” adds Troy Weaver. “We wanted to be sure to put our defense in order. His athletic qualities stick to our group. He’s a complete athlete, not just in spaces, but all over the field.”.
Under the orders of Monty Williams, Ausar Thompson will therefore join a very promising and very young Detroit team, including Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and Jalen Duren.
A bond that the 20-year-old had felt during his “workout” with the Pistons.
“I really thought there was a chance I would land here. I felt there was a connection, a chemistry” says Ausar Thompson. “I liked what they were talking about. I liked the direction they wanted to go as a team, and I felt it was the perfect place for me”.
