Ausar Thompson, an electrifying young talent with an impressive skill set, has emerged as one of the most exciting prospects in the NBA. Known for his athleticism, versatility, and all-around game, Thompson has quickly garnered attention from scouts, analysts, and fans alike. His rise from a standout performer at Overtime Elite (OTE) to a top-tier NBA draft prospect has been both rapid and thrilling.
In this article, we will explore Ausar Thompson’s statistics, strengths, weaknesses, and the potential he holds for the future. With the latest available data, we will break down his performances and shed light on what makes him one of the top young players in the game.
Who is Ausar Thompson?
Ausar Thompson is a highly skilled basketball player who rose to prominence through his time with Overtime Elite, an up-and-coming league for top high school and young talent. Born on January 30, 2003, in Oakland, California, Thompson is a 6’7” guard with an athletic frame that allows him to play both as a forward and a guard. He is known for his ability to create plays, score efficiently, and make a difference on both ends of the floor.
Before his time with Overtime Elite, Thompson played high school basketball at Pinecrest Academy in Norcross, Georgia, where he established himself as a highly touted recruit. He and his twin brother, Amen Thompson, both joined Overtime Elite, a league designed to help elite prospects develop and prepare for the NBA.
Ausar has quickly become one of the most intriguing players to watch in the 2023 NBA Draft, showcasing his potential to impact the game as a dynamic two-way player. Whether it’s his passing vision, scoring ability, or defensive acumen, Ausar Thompson has shown that he has the tools to thrive at the highest level of basketball.
Ausar Thompson’s Stats: A Breakdown of His Performance
To understand Thompson’s game, it’s crucial to look at his statistics, which give us insight into his performance at Overtime Elite and his capabilities on the court. Below is a breakdown of his key statistics from his time with Overtime Elite, focusing on the 2022-2023 season, as well as his projections heading into the NBA.
2022-2023 Overtime Elite Stats
During the 2022-2023 season, Ausar Thompson played for the Overtime Elite team and dominated in several categories. Here are his key stats from the season:
Games Played: 29
Minutes Per Game: 32.5
Points Per Game: 16.2
Rebounds Per Game: 6.5
Assists Per Game: 4.1
Steals Per Game: 1.8
Blocks Per Game: 0.6
Field Goal Percentage: 51.3%
Three-Point Percentage: 31.2%
Free Throw Percentage: 74.9%
These stats highlight Thompson’s well-rounded game. He demonstrated his ability to score efficiently, rebound, and contribute as a playmaker for his team. With nearly 16 points per game, 6.5 rebounds, and over 4 assists, Thompson proved that he can impact a game in many areas. The 1.8 steals per game also demonstrate his prowess as a defender. His defensive abilities, combined with his athleticism and versatility, made him a standout in the Overtime Elite league.
Overall Career Stats (Overtime Elite and Pre-Draft)
Over his career in Overtime Elite, Thompson has shown consistent growth in every statistical category, solidifying his reputation as a two-way player with tremendous upside. Here are his career averages across his Overtime Elite career:
Games Played: 50
Minutes Per Game: 30.4
Points Per Game: 15.8
Rebounds Per Game: 6.2
Assists Per Game: 3.9
Steals Per Game: 1.7
Blocks Per Game: 0.5
Field Goal Percentage: 49.7%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.5%
Free Throw Percentage: 72.3%
While his shooting efficiency is solid, his ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game stands out. Thompson has proven to be a capable scorer, a strong rebounder for his size, and an adept playmaker. Additionally, his defensive stats are noteworthy, particularly his steals, which highlight his active hands and quickness on defense.
Strengths of Ausar Thompson’s Game
One of the first things that stand out about Ausar Thompson is his elite athleticism. At 6’7” with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the size and physical attributes to play multiple positions. His combination of speed, strength, and vertical leap allows him to be a constant threat in transition, both as a scorer and as a defender. Whether he’s attacking the rim, finishing alley-oops, or defending at the rim, Thompson’s physical profile gives him a significant advantage on the court.
His athleticism also allows him to excel in fast breaks, where he can quickly cover the floor and create scoring opportunities for himself or teammates. His quick first step and agility make him a tough player to guard, whether he’s attacking the basket or driving toward the rim.
Defensive Potential
Thompson is known for his defensive potential, and this is where he truly shines. His combination of length, speed, and basketball IQ allows him to be a disruptive force on the defensive end. Whether it’s guarding the perimeter, switching onto multiple positions, or contesting shots at the rim, Thompson is capable of doing it all.
His 1.8 steals per game in Overtime Elite indicate his ability to be a defensive playmaker, and his long wingspan makes him a formidable presence when contesting shots. Additionally, Thompson has shown the ability to lock down opposing players, using his quickness and anticipation to cause turnovers and break up plays.
Thompson’s defensive versatility is one of the biggest reasons he has the potential to be a standout in the NBA. He has the tools to guard both wings and smaller forwards, making him a valuable asset in an era where versatility and the ability to defend multiple positions are key.
Scoring Ability and Offensive Versatility
While Thompson’s primary value may be in his defense, he has also developed into a capable scorer on offense. His 16.2 points per game in the 2022-2023 season reflect his ability to contribute on the offensive end. Thompson is particularly effective attacking the basket, where he uses his athleticism and finishing ability to convert at a high rate around the rim.
Moreover, his improvement in his jump shot is encouraging. He shot 31.2% from three-point range in 2022-2023, a figure that is decent for a player of his size and position. While not yet an elite shooter, Thompson has the potential to become a more consistent perimeter threat with further development. His ability to drive to the basket, combined with the potential to shoot from outside, gives him an offensive upside that few young players possess.
Thompson has also displayed good playmaking skills for a player of his position. His 4.1 assists per game indicate his ability to facilitate and make plays for others. Whether it’s through pick-and-roll action or in transition, Thompson can create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Work Ethic and Leadership
Thompson is often praised for his work ethic and leadership qualities. His dedication to improving his game is apparent in the growth he has shown over the past few years. As a leader on his Overtime Elite team, Thompson demonstrated his ability to rally his teammates and elevate their performances. His competitiveness and passion for the game also stand out, and it’s clear that he has the mindset of someone who is willing to put in the effort to succeed at the highest level.
Areas for Improvement
Consistency as a Shooter: While Thompson has shown flashes of being an effective shooter, his consistency from beyond the arc remains an area for improvement. His 31.2% shooting from three in 2022-2023 is decent, but it will need to improve if he is to maximize his offensive potential in the NBA. Thompson has the mechanics and form to become a reliable shooter, and as he refines his shot, it will make him an even more dangerous offensive weapon.
Playmaking and Court Vision: Though Thompson is a solid passer and capable playmaker, his vision and decision-making as a point-forward still need to improve. While he has the ability to create for others, he can sometimes be too focused on scoring, leading to missed opportunities to set up teammates. As his basketball IQ continues to develop, Thompson will become more effective at reading defenses and making quicker decisions.
Strength and Physicality: While Thompson is already physically imposing, further development in his strength and conditioning could help him finish more effectively in traffic and defend against bigger, stronger opponents in the NBA. Increasing his upper body strength will also help him in post situations and when fighting for position in the paint.
Ausar Thompson’s NBA Projection
As the 2023 NBA Draft approaches, Ausar Thompson is widely considered a top pick, with many projecting him to be selected in the lottery. His combination of athleticism, defense, and all-around skills make him one of the most intriguing players in the draft. His ceiling is high, and if he can refine his shooting and decision-making, he could develop into a star player in the league.
NBA Comparison: In terms of playing style, Thompson has often been compared to players like De’Anthony Melton or Jaden Ivey due to his defensive prowess, athleticism, and potential as a two-way player. While he doesn’t have the scoring potential of some other top prospects, his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor gives him the versatility that NBA teams covet.
FAQs
How did Ausar Thompson perform in Overtime Elite playoffs?
During the Overtime Elite playoffs, Ausar Thompson showcased his high-level talent by leading his team both offensively and defensively. His all-around performance helped his team reach the championship round, where his contributions were critical in the clutch moments of the games.
What teams could potentially draft Ausar Thompson?
Teams with high lottery picks are the most likely to select Ausar Thompson, as his versatility and two-way potential are highly valuable. Teams like the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Charlotte Hornets, who have young rosters, could be interested in him to pair with their up-and-coming players.
How does Ausar Thompson compare to his twin brother Amen Thompson?
Both brothers are highly talented, but Ausar is generally known for his defensive ability, while Amen excels in playmaking. While Amen may be seen as more of a primary ball handler and passer, Ausar’s strengths lie in scoring, rebounding, and defensive contributions. Both have very similar athletic profiles, with Ausar being slightly better defensively.
How good is Ausar Thompson’s defense?
Ausar is considered one of the top defenders in the 2023 draft class. His quickness, length, and basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions, from shooting guards to small forwards, and even some power forwards. He’s also a strong shot blocker and disrupts passing lanes with his 7-foot wingspan, averaging 2.0 steals per game in the OTE.
Does Ausar Thompson have an outside shot?
While Ausar has a respectable three-point shooting percentage (30.0%), it’s an area where he has room to improve. His mechanics are solid, but his consistency and range can be a question mark. That said, his ability to attack the rim and finish in transition makes him a dangerous player even when his outside shot isn’t falling.
In Summary
Ausar Thompson is a dynamic young talent with a promising future ahead of him. His stats from Overtime Elite demonstrate his versatility, athleticism, and two-way potential. As he continues to develop his shooting and decision-making, he could become one of the league’s premier wings in the coming years. With his leadership, defense, and ability to score in a variety of ways, Thompson is a player that NBA teams will be excited to invest in for the future. As he transitions to the NBA, the sky’s the limit for what he can accomplish in the league.
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