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Just when you thought the Detroit Pistons’ season couldn’t get worse, the team announced on Wednesday that rookie wing Ausar Thompson will miss the rest of the season as he gets treated for a blood clot.
Thompson left Detroit’s game against Dallas on March 9 after playing only 11 minutes due to what was initially classified as an “illness.” An “asthma” designation was added for Thompson on the Pistons’ injury report ahead of their next game.
Thompson has already been cleared for conditioning and will begin non-contact basketball activities after the conclusion of the regular season, according to the team.
“I’m just glad the doctors caught it,” Pistons coach Monty Williams said. “From all of the information that I’ve gotten, they’re handling it. … It’s a medical situation, but I’m glad they caught it.”
Thompson, the No. 5 pick in last year’s NBA Draft, has been one of very few bright spots for a Pistons team (12-56) likely to end this season with the worst record in franchise history. The team also announced Wednesday that starter Isaiah Stewart would miss the rest of the year with a hamstring strain he suffered Monday against the Boston Celtics.
Thompson is one of the team’s best two defenders, alongside Stewart. Thompson took on the toughest defensive assignment every night for the Pistons and garnered rave reviews for his upside as a wing defender long term.
Offensively, while Thompson’s 3-point shooting has a long way to go, the rookie was a very good finisher at the rim and a highlight reel in transition.
Before the medical issue, Thompson was on pace to be the only Detroit player to play in all 82 games. In 63 games this season, Thompson averaged 25 minutes, 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 48.3 percent from the field.
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(Photo of Ausar Thompson: Kamil Krzaczynski / USA Today)
