Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson has made his defensive ambitions clear, stating his goal is to win the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award. The 22-year-old believes he is already one of the best perimeter defenders in the league but acknowledges there is room for improvement.
“I think I’m the best perimeter defender in the league. That’s what I believe,” Thompson told For The Win’s Bryan Kalbrosky. “I don’t think I’m a near and finished product, though. I think I can get over screens better. I think I can be locked in at all times better.”
Thompson has played a key role in Detroit’s defense, helping the team remain competitive in the Eastern Conference. The Pistons currently sit sixth in the standings at 29-26, fighting for a playoff spot.
While Thompson has been a strong defensive presence, he is not currently among the top Defensive Player of the Year candidates. The favorites include Victor Wembanyama, Jaren Jackson Jr., Evan Mobley, Lu Dort, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Rudy Gobert.
Thompson acknowledged the challenge of competing with elite rim protectors like Wembanyama, who averages multiple blocks per game. “I want to be NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But it’s so hard with Wemby because he is going to get four blocks every game. It’s something that I think is possible, though,” he said.
In his second NBA season, Thompson is averaging 9.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 21 minutes per game. His defensive impact, however, goes beyond statistics, as he often takes on the toughest perimeter matchups.
