Exclusive: Pistons’ Ausar Thompson talks after being drafted by Detroit

NEW YORK — Wins haven’t come in abundance for the Pistons. Their program is still growing, learning. There’s an identity attempting to be formed, though. It’s not there yet, but Detroit’s newest resident is here to help see it through.

Overtime Elite’s Ausar Thompson, the No. 5 pick by the Pistons during Thursday’s 2023 NBA Draft, checks every box Detroit looks for in a prospect. The toughness, speed, agility, power, the competitiveness defensively and the ability to cause havoc in the open floor. He’s a Piston, for those who are old enough to remember what all that entails.

General manager Troy Weaver is big on people. That evaluation is different than the on-the-court one, yet it holds just as much weight, maybe more. Thompson, according to team sources, passed that test with flying colors. Detroit is trying to build a culture first en route to building a winning program. Those two things tend to go together. Weaver and Co. felt that Thompson would enhance that.

In Brooklyn, N.Y., at the Barclays Center, Thompson and his brother, Amen, made NBA history, becoming the first twins to be drafted in the top 5. Thompson came into the arena anxious, like every prospect who surrounded him. Like his brother who sat right next to him. Thompson, though, had an idea of where he was going. He said that he left his meetings and workouts with Detroit feeling that it was very likely he’d be coming to the Motor City. It happened. He’s here. Now, Thompson joins an intriguing young Pistons core that could surprise some teams this season if development breaks right.

Moments after hearing his name called, Thompson sat and chatted with The Athletic about several topics.

You can read that conversation below.

I heard that when you and your brother worked out in Detroit that you were there for a few days. You said on the podium that you had a good feeling that Detroit would pick you. What was it about those conversations, that visit with Troy Weaver and, I’m not sure if Monty Williams was there yet, that made you feel that way?

When I was there, Monty was there. I think it was his first day. They told me I fit where the modern NBA was going — having multiple facilitators on the court, being able to come off screens, play defense. That was one of the main things. I just felt the chemistry while being there. I was excited being there. I left there impressed. I thought this would be a place that I’d be very happy ending up. Now, look at me.

You’re obviously busy during the season when the Pistons are playing. Were you ever able to watch them? How familiar are you with Cade Cunningham, Jaden Ivey and the roster?

I’m very familiar with Cade’s game. That’s my teammate. Coming out of high school, everyone looks up to him. Cade was my favorite player in that draft. I said he was going to be the first pick. I was telling Amen that. It’s funny. He thought it was going to be Jalen Green, and now he’s with him in Houston. I’m very familiar with all of their games. Jaden Ivey is super fast, underrated facilitator and very athletic. James Wiseman, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart … big bodies in the paint. Marvin Bagley. I know everyone. I’m a big basketball fan.

With that, Overtime Elite is very new. Many people around the league talk about how it is difficult to scout. On top of that, you and your brother were a bit older than the competition you faced. What are your thoughts on the value of going to play with Overtime Elite and if you heard or read about those critiques, worries about counting you and your brother?

I can’t get mad. People have their own opinions. Even if what they’re saying might not be true, I just go on. I’m super happy that I went to OTE. If I had the chance to do it again, I’d do it again. You guys are going to find out next year that there are a lot more players not advertised. You guys are going to see that. A lot of them went their separate ways. They’ve always been doing what they’re about to be doing.

What’s something about your game that you think people didn’t talk about enough? Is there anything you’ll be able to show more at the next level?

My IQ, finishing at the rim, becoming a better catch-and-shoot shooter, coming off screens … I think there are a lot of things that I’m very confident in that others might not see. I believe in myself. It seems like Detroit believes in me. Every day I’m going to work to get better, and even if I don’t come in like that, I’m going to work to get there. I believe in myself.

You and your brother, obviously, are very close. What is something that you’re into that he’s not into?

I play video games more than him. I’m not even a big video game guy. He doesn’t play at all, like rarely. I’ll be on Fortnite with my friends and he’ll be like, ‘Oh, so and so is on? Let me get on.’ He’ll play one game.

What do you to pass time?

I play video games with my friends.

What do you know about the city of Detroit?

The city was a lot nicer than people told me. My whole life I thought Detroit was way worse than when I went out there. I know I went in the summer, but it looked like it was like a building, beautiful city. I liked it. I like the culture. It reminded me of places where I was from, culture wise. I’m happy to be there.

I heard your a big J. Cole fan. Favorite J. Cole song?

Rise and Shine.

Can he get a bucket on you?

No.

(Top photo of Ausar Thompson: Sarah Stier / Getty Images)