Pistons' Ausar Thompson Stuffs Stat Sheet in First NBA Preseason Game

Ausar Thompson, one half of the NBA’s newest electric twin duo, stuffed the stat sheet in his first NBA preseason game.

Ausar Thompson was always a connective add for the Detroit Pistons.

Selected fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, the 6-foot-7 hybrid showcased exactly that in Sunday’s NBA preseason game between the Pistons and Suns.

Thought of not as a pure scorer, but rather an all-around player with connective passing, strong defense, workable offense and plenty more, Thompson tacked on 12 points, 10 rebounds, six assists and one block in his first preseason action.

He wasn't wholly efficient scoring the ball — just three-for-nine shooting — but was certainly a positive regardless overall.

After a moderately strong Summer League campaign, Sunday’s game was Thompson’s first look at true NBA action, which just so happened to feature the likes of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, Bradley Beal and more.

Thompson’s performance nearly helped to fuel the Pistons to a win, but ultimately the now deeper-than-most Suns came away with the win, 130-126.

Outside of his hopefully improving shooting, Thompson is likely to fit like a glove on this Pistons with his innate passing skills alongside guards Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and big men Jalen Duren and Isaiah Steward.

Cunningham is assuredly going to be the Pistons’ centerpiece this season, but Thompson should get more than his fair share of shots off.

Detroit next takes on the Thunder at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 12. Thompson's brother Amen — who was selected fourth overall by Houston — is set to play his first real NBA action on the very same day versus the Pelicans.

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