Pistons’ Ausar Thompson Emerges From Injury to Shine on Court

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — Ausar Thompson, the Detroit Pistons’ promising rookie, has officially returned to form as he logged a season-high 30 minutes in a game against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. This marks a significant milestone for Thompson, who had been sidelined for a lengthy period due to health issues.

Thompson’s road back has been long and challenging. After being forced to shut down last season due to injuries, he was required to get clearance from the NBA before resuming play. He missed the first 18 games of the current season following his rehabilitation. But now, he is showing signs of becoming a reliable asset for the Pistons.

“Utah was the first time he reached 30 minutes in a game, and doing it in high altitude shows how far he’s come,” Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff said. “We communicate if he needs to catch a breath, but otherwise, he’s improved a lot in terms of conditioning.”

Thompson made his season debut coming off the bench on November 25, playing 16 minutes. Since then, his playing time has fluctuated based on his physical condition, with some games seeing him exceed 20 minutes while others had him below 15. However, with the injury of teammate Jaden Ivey, he has stepped up and solidified his position as a starter.

Since February, Thompson has participated in all 14 games for the Pistons, averaging 13 points with an impressive 66 percent shooting rate. He also contributes significantly defensively, grabbing five rebounds and nearly three steals per game.

“More playing time will only put Thompson in a better position to succeed,” Bickerstaff added. “He’s shown he can be one of the most dominant defenders at his position and he continues to work on improving his offensive play.”

With the season still in full swing, Thompson’s performance is critical for the Pistons as they aim to improve their standings in the NBA. Coaches and fans alike are hopeful he will continue to build on his recent success and help lead the team moving forward.