Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson. | Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports How to mold Ausar into one of the most unique 4s in the NBA Ausar Thompson averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Detroit Pistons in his rookie year while slashing 48/19/60 from the floor, three-point line, and free-throw line, respectively. I suppose that’s where this player preview for Ausar should really begin — those percentages. Because there’s more to be concerned about than just his paltry performance from deep. For a player who attempted 66% of his shots from fewer than 10ft away from the hoop (317/480), 48% from the floor is too low. For reference, Isaiah Stewart shot 58% within 10 feet and Marvin Bagley III shot 62% from within 10 feet. Stewart had the added benefit of stretching the floor. James Wiseman attempted 87% of his shots within 10 feet and shot 65%. The point is, Ausar Thompson’s shot profile lies somewhere between a stretch big in Isaiah Stewart and a traditional 5 like Bagley or Wiseman — Ausar is underperforming for either role. Indeed, it would be a boon to this Pistons offense if their best defender could also shoot league-average from three, however, 19% on 1.8 attempts per game last season is not a small sample size. Pair that with his 60% on free throws on 1.9 attempts per game, and you’re not exactly left with a rosy picture in your crystal ball. Thompson does not profile as a player who will shoot the three well, period, point blank — let alone as early as this upcoming season. But what he can do is improve around the basket. Thompson is an unbelievable athlete. His vertical ability pops from both a standstill and on the move. He’s fast in a straight line, his lateral movement is elite, and he’s blessed with a first step to rival Jaden Ivey. For Ausar to become a net neutral, or, dare I say, positive offensive player this season, he’ll need to improve his shot selection and touch. Thompson shot 207 jump shots last season. Only about half of those were from three. That’s a problem for a player who only attempted 50 total shots from between 10 feet and the three-point line. To make matters worse, Ausar only made 29% of these attempts. Making 29% on the largest individual subsection of his shot attempts simply cannot continue. He needs to cut as many of these from his game as possible. As for his touch, Ausar shot only 52% on layups (178 attempts). Again, big problem. Isaiah Stewart shot 59%, Bagley 57% and Wiseman 58%. If Ausar’s shot profile ought to look similar to a modern power player, and I believe it should, then he must improve his touch on layups. In an ideal world, Ausar would cut many of his ill-advised jumpers and replace those with layups and dunks, improving his touch from around the rim in the process. At the end of the day, the calculus for Ausar is rather simple. He is the best defensive player on this roster. Not only is he the strongest perimeter defender, but he’s also the best defensive playmaker, shot blocker and, in my opinion, communicator. In fact, he has the potential to be one of the preeminent defenders in the NBA. Players with this level of defensive talent are players that coaches want in the game far more often than not — and fans should too! But in order to play those big-time minutes, in order to see a world where Ausar averages over 34 minutes per game (a world I hope to live in), he needs to at least be a neutral offensive player. And he’s not all that far away, despite what last season’s splits may suggest. If he can be more selective with his shot attempts, focusing on layups and dunks around the rim, and he can tap into his innate athletic gifts to improve his touch, then he will be well on his way to an integral role with this Pistons team. That is a lot of words on the biggest flaw in Ausar’s game at the expense of his biggest skill — his plus defense all over the floor. That’s because it will require better offense for Ausar to see the floor enough to maximize his ability on defense. He’s already a strong ball mover and is a willing one-more passer. But his limitations as a scorer and ball handler hold back what would be an otherwise exceptional modern forward. Ausar struggles to continue a live dribble through contact and pressure, and his general stiffness and mechanical movements with the ball in his hands (and in his jump shot) exist as a stark contrast to his fluid movement skills on the other end of the floor. In other words, he’s not his brother. But that’s ok. In fact, it only serves to make Ausar all the more unique. As a power player, Ausar’s blend of athletic ability, defensive versatility and talent, and connective nature are what makes his potential so exciting. These are what make him, in theory, special. Imagine a more athletic and versatile Draymond Green. A modern Gerald Wallace. That rare athlete who can guard 1-5, flashes elite finishing ability and plays an unselfish brand of basketball on both ends. That could be Ausar Thompson, as soon as this year even. But he’ll need to clean up his shot selection and improve his touch to do it. And if he can do it, if we do see these strides from him this year, the Pistons will have one of the most unique and impactful 4s in the NBA.