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Detroit Pistons Player Remains Productive During Recovery

Ausar Thompson has been in the gym working on his shot.
Justin Grasso|
Feb 27, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) goes to the basket against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

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Detroit Pistons

Ausar Thompson’s rookie campaign with the Detroit Pistons was cut short last season. As it was revealed Thompson was dealing with a blood clot, he was shut down earlier than anticipated.

With training camp underway, Thompson hasn’t been able to participate in drills and scrimmages with the rest of his team. Before the Pistons fired up training camp, Detroit’s President of Basketball Operations Trajan Langdon announced Thompson is still working on getting clearance to practice.

At this point, the NBA has stepped in and will prevent Thompson from doing contact drills for the time being.

While Thompson’s second season hasn’t gotten fully on track just yet, the young wing has been active in the gym and working on a key part of his game.

Following Friday’s practice, Omari Sankofa of Detroit Free Press revealed a scene of Thompson working with Pistons assistant Fred Vinson. Thompson was working on his three-point shot.

In 63 games last season, Thompson had a key role, whether he was starting or not. Seeing the court for 25 minutes on a nightly basis, Thompson’s defense was much needed. While the rookie wasn’t a zero on offense, he struggled with his shot.

Averaging nine points per game, Thompson managed to make 48 percent of his field goals. When it came to shooting from beyond the arc, he made just 19 percent of his attempts throughout the year. As he waits for an opportunity to get back into action at full capacity, Thompson is sharpening his shot from long-range.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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