Pistons rookie Ausar Thompson to miss rest of season for a blood clot
Detroit Pistons rookie forward Ausar Thompson will miss the final 14 games of the season while being treated for a blood clot, the team announced on Wednesday.
Thompson, under the guidance of team physician Dr. Ramsey Shehab of Henry Ford Health, has been cleared to resume conditioning. He will begin non-contact basketball activities after the season, with a gradual ramp-up over the summer in preparation for a full return next season.
The fifth pick has missed the past five games due to what the team classified as an illness. He last played on March 9 in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks, recording four points and five rebounds in 11 minutes.
The @DetroitPistons announced today the following medical updates: pic.twitter.com/9zNkuZ74ur
— Pistons PR (@Pistons_PR) March 20, 2024
Thompson will finish the season averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.1 steals on 48.3% shooting from the field in 63 games. He is 13th in scoring among all first-year players and fourth in rebounding and steals.
The 21-year-old was ranked in the top 10 among all players in rebounds, offensive rebounds and blocks at the start of the season. He is one of 15 players in history with at least 550 points, 400 rebounds, 120 assists, 65 steals and 55 blocks through the first 63 games of their career.
Thompson played several roles throughout the year and started 38 times for coach Monty Williams, including the past 14 games before his injury. He had a productive year with the Pistons and could be rewarded with a spot on an NBA All-Rookie team.
