Throughout his inaugural NBA season, Detroit Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson has consistently demonstrated his ability to impact games in various ways. Despite his versatility as a two-way forward and impressive contributions to the box score, Thompson recognizes a crucial area for improvement in his game—floor spacing. While he has proven himself capable of filling up the stat sheet, his limited effectiveness in stretching the floor hinders his overall impact.
After the Pistons’ 110-100 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, Thompson addressed the need to enhance his outside shooting. Expressing a growing confidence in taking open shots, he acknowledged its importance for the team’s success. Thompson emphasized the opportunity to improve and contribute to the team’s victories.
In the recent game against the Cavs, the rookie showcased his versatility with an impressive performance. In 36 minutes of play, Thompson accumulated 15 points, seven rebounds, three assists, five steals, and two blocks. Notably, he connected on two of three attempts from beyond the arc—a positive sign considering his season-long three-point shooting percentage of 18.8%.
Despite struggling earlier in the season, Thompson has gradually become more efficient, particularly in January when he approached a 30% success rate from deep. Recognizing the Pistons’ occasional floor spacing challenges, Thompson is actively working on addressing this aspect of his game.
If Thompson can develop into at least a league-average shooter, he has the potential to emerge as one of the premier two-way forwards in the NBA, further bolstering the Pistons’ roster.