Ausar Thompson is set to return to the court.
The Detroit Pistons announced that Thompson has been cleared to return to play by the NBA’s fitness-to-play panel after months of dealing with a blood clot issue. While it is unclear when Thompson will make his season debut, he will now increase his basketball activities and participate in practices that normally take place with the Pistons.
“We’re happy he can come back and play because that process can’t be easy,” coach JB Bickerstaff said. “What he’s been through, the time he’s had to put in, the emotional ups and downs, things like that; we are happy for him that it is over. He gets the chance to come back and be part of the group like he always wanted.”
Thompson first began dealing with his blood clot problem in March, and it ended his rookie season after just 63 games. He has been recovering since then.
The Pistons first selected Thompson with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. He was also one spot behind his twin brother, Amen Thompson, in that draft. Amen was selected by the Houston Rockets.
Thompson averaged 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds per game last season. He was one of three rookies who also had at least 50 steals and 50 blocks last season, along with San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama and Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren. That feat has also only been accomplished by three other rookies in Pistons history.
“It’s going to take some time; we’re going to have to ramp it up,” Bickerstaff said. “Because of the process, there just hasn’t been an opportunity for him to play five-on-five and do things like that. Anyone who’s been away as long as he’s been away, it just takes us a little bit of time.” time, but we will always protect him first and do everything we can to make sure he feels comfortable first and foremost.”
The Pistons currently have a record of 4-7 this season heading into Tuesday’s game against the Miami Heat. Bickerstaff was hired this past offseason to replace Monty Williams, who was with the organization for just one season, going 14-68. The Pistons have made the playoffs just twice in the past decade and have had just one winning season in that span.
