Ausar Thompson was dominant defensively for the Pistons last postseason. He finished with 28 steals (6th in the NBA playoffs) and 25 blocks (4th in the playoffs, the only non-center in the top 5). Even against James Harden and Donovan Mitchell, two of the leagueβs most prolific players, Thompson dominated. So dominant, in fact, that Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson instructed his team to pass the ball wherever Thompson wasnβt during Clevelandβs Game 7 win in the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 18. He saw the comments, and although he recognized the compliment, that didnβt wash the bad taste out of his mouth.
Ausar Thompson Noticed the Strategy Right Away
When I asked Ausar Thompson about Kenny Atkinsonβs strategy, he said, βItβs something that I noticed right away and how I adjust; maybe I need to be more of a roamer. Be in a position where they canβt take me off the ball. Maybe I have to be more focused on getting rebounds; if my man isnβt in the play, then I should be the open man. Maybe I have to get more rebounds and push the break. Just find a way to give myself something to do, and not let anyone take that away.β
A Problem Most Defenders Never Have
Itβs a unique problem to have for Ausar Thompson. Most of the time, defenses are looking for ways to pick on defenders. But Kenny Atkinson respected Thompsonβs ability so much that Atkinson wanted him far away from the play. If teams use this same strategy, Thompson will need to put the potential adjustments into action to see what works.
With his defensive instincts and athletic gifts, thereβs a lot to like about playing Thompson off the ball defensively. But heβs also the Pistonsβ best on-ball defender. If his teammates are getting picked apart, he has to be on-ball as much as possible. How Thompson handles this strategy could take him to another level in the first season of the five-year, $155 million extension he signed this month.
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