Ausar Thompson Ranks 18th in NBA Player Rankings
Ausar Thompson landed at No. 18 on FanSided's 25-under-25 NBA Player Rankings this season. He ranked among the best young players in the NBA, with his defensive skills standing out.
Ausar Thompson is a unique player, with his twin brother being the only comparable player. He has a rare combination of instincts and athleticism that makes him a near-singular presence on defense.
He can be inserted into any lineup and make a positive difference, thanks to his elite foot speed and recovery time. This allows his teammates to stay home on their men, confident that Thompson will be able to recover.
Offensively, Thompson remains a work in progress. He has a fun combination of size, strength, handle in transition, finishing, and passing instincts that often compensate for his lack of shooting.
Thompson shot nearly 70 percent at the rim last year and had 30 dunks off cuts. He also has good cutting skills and passing instincts, which make him a promising young player.
Thompson's defensive impact is where he earns his stripes. He posted the No. 7 Defensive EPM in the league, tied for No. 2 in steal rate, and tied for No. 10 in defensive box plus-minus.
These stats are backed up by the eye test, with Thompson popping off the screen as a member of Detroit's already-good defense. He prowls the perimeter and the paint like a predator, looking for pokeaways and languorous handles from unsuspecting opponents.
Thompson will likely make the 25-under-25 list each year until he ages out of consideration. He has a rare combination of skills that make him a valuable asset to the Detroit Pistons.
As he continues to develop, Thompson will be an exciting player to watch. His defensive skills are already elite, and his offensive game is showing promise. With time and practice, he could become one of the top players in the league.
Ausar Thompson's ranking is a testament to his hard work and dedication to the sport. He has overcome injuries and setbacks to become one of the top young players in the NBA. His future looks bright, and fans should be excited to see what he can do next.