He is kind of a ghost on the box score sometimes. You look at a Detroit Pistons box score and see five points or six points next to his name and you think, "Man, is this guy actually doing anything?" But if you're actually watching the tape, Ausar Thompson is basically everywhere at once.
It’s been a weird stretch for him lately. Over the Ausar Thompson last 10 games, we've seen the absolute best of his "chaos-agent" defense mixed with some genuinely head-scratching offensive disappearing acts. As of mid-January 2026, he’s averaging roughly 11.3 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals over this most recent sample. Those aren't All-Star numbers, sure. But in the context of a Detroit team that finally looks like it has a pulse, he’s the glue.
The stats are erratic. One night he's playing 34 minutes and harassing the Clippers' best scorers, the next he's stuck at 19 minutes because the floor spacing is just too cramped.
The Defensive Masterclass Nobody Talks About
Honestly, what Ausar is doing on the defensive end right now is borderline elite. Most young wings take years to understand rotations, but he’s already a "stocks" (steals + blocks) monster. In his game against Chicago on January 7, he put up 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 blocks. That was the first time since December 20 that he swiped and swatted multiple shots in the same night.
He’s currently sitting in the 91st percentile for defensive impact according to 3StepsBasket. That is absurd for a third-year player who had to deal with a serious blood clot issue earlier in his career. He's recovered fully from that medical scare that ended his rookie season early, and he looks stronger.
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Recent Game Log Breakdown
- Jan 15 vs. Phoenix: 5 points, 6 rebounds, 19 minutes. (A quiet night, but he was a +1 in a tight win).
- Jan 10 vs. LA Clippers: 6 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, 3 blocks, 2 steals. (This is the "Ausar Special"—low scoring but massive impact everywhere else).
- Jan 7 vs. Chicago: 11 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks.
- Jan 5 vs. NY Knicks: 10 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals.
- Jan 4 @ Cleveland: 8 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.
The trend? His minutes are a rollercoaster. He went from 34 minutes against the Clippers down to 19 against the Suns. Why? Because Jaden Ivey and Duncan Robinson are eating into the wing rotation when Detroit needs more shooting.
The Shooting Struggle is Real
Let’s be real: the jump shot is still a work in progress. He’s shooting about 20.4% from three on the season. That’s tough. In today's NBA, if you can't hit a corner triple, teams just ignore you. You've probably noticed it if you watch the games; defenders sag off him by ten feet, begging him to shoot.
Instead of forcing it, Ausar is leaning into his strengths. He’s shooting 50.6% from the floor overall because he’s a relentless cutter. He lives in the "dunker spot" and cleans up Cade Cunningham's misses. He’s averaging 2.1 offensive rebounds per game, which is top-tier for a small forward.
Why He’s the Ultimate "Buy Low" Candidate
If you're into fantasy basketball or just a hardcore Pistons fan, the Ausar Thompson last 10 games data shows a player who is right on the edge of a breakout. He’s currently averaging 11.1 points and 5.8 rebounds on the season.
There was some worry recently about a right heel contusion, but he played through it. The kid is tough. Even when his shot isn't falling, he’s finding ways to contribute. He led a late rally against Portland recently after Cade fouled out, proving he can handle high-pressure moments.
What to Watch for Next
The biggest hurdle for Ausar is the Detroit rotation. With Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren missing time recently, Ausar has had to slide between the three and the four spots. When the team is fully healthy, his minutes might settle around the 25-27 range.
If he can just get that three-point percentage up to a respectable 30%, the league is in trouble. Until then, he's going to keep being the guy who does the "dirty work" while everyone else watches the highlight reels.
Keep an eye on his "stocks" in the upcoming games against Indiana and Boston. Those are high-pace teams where Ausar's athleticism usually shines. If he can stay on the floor for 30+ minutes, a double-double with 3 or 4 steals is always on the table.
Actionable Insights for Following Ausar:
- Track the Minutes: If he hits 30+ minutes, his defensive production almost always sky-rockets.
- Watch the Corner Three: Even one made three-pointer per game changes how teams have to defend the Pistons' offense.
- Monitor the Health: That heel contusion is minor, but it can affect his explosive second jump on rebounds.
- Box Score Context: Don't just look at the points; check the +/- and the defensive stats to see his true impact.