What Ausar Thompson and Bill Walton Already Have in Common
Ausar Thompson is just 11 games into his rookie season and he’s already looking like he could be the steal of the draft.
The uber-athletic first-round pick posterized Clint Capela despite Thompson being four inches shorter, and that’s just one example of how special he’s been.
I asked Ausar Thompson about his dunk over Clint Capela:
— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) November 15, 2023
“You know, I kind of lost the ball in the air so I didn’t think I was gonna get it, but I jumped before him. It tied the game. It kind of helped momentum, but it was just two points.” pic.twitter.com/ubZEE9C4L6
Now let’s break down just how good he’s been, and why this isn’t just a hot start to a career (and learn how to take your shot at $150 at FanDuel).
Thompson Already Drawing Bill Walton Comparison
Thompson is only the second rookie in NBA history to average at least 11 points, 10 rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block through his first 10 games.
NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton is the only other rookie to achieve such a feat (1974-75 season).
Ausar Thompson through his first 10 games:
— Jack Kelly (@jack_kelly_313) November 11, 2023
11.4 PTS | 10 REB | 3.7 AST | 1.3 STL | 1.9 BLK
He's only the second rookie to average at least 11 pts, 10 reb, 3 ast, 1 stl & 1 blk ... Bill Walton was the last to do so in the 1974-75 season.
Pistons got a STAR in the making 💫 pic.twitter.com/FeNrFhya1o
Of course, that’s not to say that Thompson is the next Walton, especially considering that Thompson is a 6-foot-6 forward and not a 6-foot-11 big man.
But the statistics – and highlight-reel plays – are eye-popping nonetheless.
And it’s not just Pistons fans who are impressed by Thompson (and fellow rookie Marcus Sasser, too). Just check out what the chokehold-loving Draymond Green had to say about the Pistons youngsters.
“When you look at this rookie class, it doesn’t really look like a rookie class,” Green told CBS last week. “Even our two rookies, you put those guys in the game and they don’t make mistakes that rookies make. It’s the same thing like for the Thompson twins and Wemby, and you start to look down the list — even Marcus Sasser — they don’t look like rookies. I think it’s an incredible class.”
Thompson hasn’t been perfect, though. His shooting percentage from the field (40%) and from beyond the arc (15.4%) has been ugly at times.
But the whole picture is exciting. Thompson is limiting his mistakes (2.2 turnovers per game) while shooting consistently from the free-throw line (76.7%).
Oh yeah, and if that’s not enough, he’s also 8th in the NBA in blocks per game and 12th in rebounds per game.
If you’re excited about this promising rookie class for Detroit, you can take your shot at cashing in on them at FanDuel. Simply sign up with the link below, deposit $10 or more and then bet $5 or more on any Pistons moneyline wager. If they win, you’ll win an extra $150 in bonus bets. Sign up for FanDuel today!
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