Detroit Pistons second-year wing Ausar Thompson will be held out of contact drills as training camp begins, as he continues to recover from blood clots that prematurely ended his rookie season.
Though Thompson has been cleared for non-contact activities, including conditioning and strength training, he has not yet been given the green light for full-contact practices.
He mentioned that he feels great physically but couldn’t provide a specific timeline for when he will be cleared to fully participate in practices.
New Detroit Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon emphasized that the team is working closely with the NBA and the NBPA to ensure Thompson follows the proper medical process.
The team is taking a cautious approach to his recovery, prioritizing his long-term health while integrating him slowly back into the fold.
Thompson’s rookie season showed great promise, providing a much-needed bright spot during an otherwise disappointing year for the Pistons.
The 6-foot-6 wing quickly established himself as one of the team’s best defenders, demonstrating versatility and hustle on both ends of the floor.
He averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals, and nearly a block per game, showing flashes of the potential that made him such a highly regarded prospect.
Detroit sees Thompson as a key part of its future core alongside players like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey.
His continued development is crucial for the Pistons, and his defensive prowess will be a vital asset as the team looks to improve its performance in the coming season.
While there’s no rush to push Thompson back into full contact, the Pistons are optimistic about his future once he’s cleared for full participation.
Ausar Thompson Not Cleared For Contact At Start Of Camp https://t.co/ybPohB1jVO
— RealGM (@RealGM) October 1, 2024
