This summer, we’ve been taking the time to look at quite a few potential lottery picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. We’ve had list after list after list of names to know, and now we are moving on to the individuals. One of the players we’ve already covered is Amen Thompson, so it’s only natural we move to his twin, Ausar Thompson.
Examining Ausar Thompson’s Game
Thompson stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 205 pounds heading into his second season at Overtime Elite. He shares a similar game to his brother, but has some subtle differences that might have teams favoring him over Amen. Ausar played fairly well in his first season at OTE and looks to improve upon it in his second. Here are his stats from last season as a big combo guard.
- 14.7 PPG, 2.2 BPG, 1.7 SPG, 8.2 RPG, 3.0 APG
- 50.4 FG%, 21.7 3P%, 64.1 FT%
Much like his brother, Ausar is a freakish athlete who gets up and off the floor quickly. That’s led to his two blocks per game with some help from his long arms too. He’s not quite as willing a passer as his brother, albeit a negligible amount, but he still finds teammates well and makes good reads for the most part. There are times Thompson gets a bit too flashy and that’s led to 2.5 turnovers a game as well.
Ausar Thompson’s Strengths and Weaknesses
Becoming a better shooter with a cleaner form will be the biggest deciding factor in how great Thompson can be at the NBA level. His shot is currently a bit clunky as his feet go in separate directions. Thompson’s shooting motion itself seems to have a hitch. It’s something he has been working on this summer with former Orlando Magic great Mike Miller. This season, we should see a dramatic improvement on his free throw and deep shooting numbers.
Defense will not be an issue for this Thompson twin either, as he uses his length and athleticism exceptionally well. He should also be able to guard three different positions and should not get beat off the dribble by anybody. He may have to put on a little bit of weight to hang with the bigger forwards, but should be able to come in immediately and make a difference for a team on the defensive end.
Like his brother, Ausar is projected as a top-10 pick. Assuming he improves on an already stellar rookie campaign with OTE, that kind of projection should not be far off from what actually happens.
Hey Benjamin,
For a competitor every one has to find the opponent’s strength and weakness.
same one of my favorite players in basketball, Ausar Thompson profile.
And it’s good to know about Ausar from your blog article.