Detroit Pistons Draft Recap: Troy Weaver Speaks on Ausar Thompson

I was all in on Cam Whitmore to the Detroit Pistons when draft season first began. But soon as prospect evaluation began, Jarace Walker and Ausar Thompson became my favorites.

The Detroit Pistons have selected Ausar Thompson with the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. #Pistons pic.twitter.com/vJO2vxZMBn
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 23, 2023

Walker for his NBA readiness and Thompson for the 2-way star potential Troy Weaver and the team saw in him.

When asked if this was the player Troy Weaver stated would be a big swing, his answer was a resounding “Absolutely”.

“We were pretty committed to Ausar at five if he was going to be there.”

Ausar Thompson seemed to offer more of what the organization was seeking. Which is something Weaver opened up about in regard to the newest Detroit Pistons. Similar to Jalen Duren, he had Ausar Thompson rated higher than most on his Pistons draft board.

“We were hoping he would be there, and when he was we were excited,” Weaver said in the post draft press conference. “He was very high on our board for a while.”

I thought the offensive side of the ball was something to get excited for, but hearing Weaver speak on his defense should excite all Pistons fans.

The Detroit Pistons have added another star to their core with Ausar Thompson 🤝
🎥 – @thetournament pic.twitter.com/ZwsoLhcLRF
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 23, 2023

Defensive Specialist?

“We think he has a great opportunity to be an elite defender on the perimeter,” Weaver said. He continued “We wanted to make sure we get our defense in order.”

With his mix of athleticism, speed, defense and playmaking ability Troy Weaver brought up Andre Iguodala as a player comparison for Thompson. A player with a high basketball IQ on offense and the ability to affect the entire game as a defensive specialist.

That’s a big compliment as Iguodala won finals MVP playing the type of 2-way basketball Weaver believes Thompson is capable.

“His athleticism as a player really lends to our talent base. All court athlete, not just in space but all over the floor.”

Ausar Thompson is ready to build something special in Detroit 👀
“I’m trying to contend”
🎥: @espn pic.twitter.com/cbyznaAn2r
— Woodward Sports Network (@woodwardsports) June 23, 2023

Troy Weaver’s Criteria

Ultimately Weaver said character on and off the court, as well as in the community would play a huge role in who the Pistons selected number five overall.

Weaver believes Ausar Thompson passes all the tests and that his personality will fit right along with his teammates.

“Coach Williams and his staff will be able to develop this guy,” Weaver stated. “But he’s like the guys in the locker room.”