The craziest defensive athlete I’ve ever seen

Ausar Thompson shut down Shai Gilgeous Alexander in their first ever meeting, and he's hounded superstars like Kevin Durant, Damian Lillard and more. He's also channeling Dennis Rodman as one of the best rebounders in the league...as a wing! This detailed film breakdown & scouting report explores how the Pistons rookie guard uses his incredible athleticism to defend opposing superstars, help out in the paint, cut and rebound.
Support at Patreon: / thinkingbasketball
Book: www.amazon.com/Thinking-Baske...
Podcast: player.fm/series/thinking-bas... or at www.stitcher.com/podcast/ben-...
Website: www.backpicks.com
Twitter: @elgee35
Ben Taylor is the author of Thinking Basketball, a Nylon Calculus contributor, creator of the Backpicks Top 40 series & host of the Thinking Basketball podcast.
Stats courtesy:
www.pbpstats.com @bballport
www.basketball-reference.com
stats.nba.com
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Footage in this video is owned by the NBA and its partners. It is intended for critique and education.
Music by Nemesis
#ThinkingBasketball

[@ThinkingBasketball]

As many of you have pointed out, 4-time Defensive Player of the Year Dikembe Mutombo never won an MVP. 😂 I shortened the line from "hall of fame centers" to "MVPs" and completely forgot he was in the picture.

[@G1stGBless]

Everyones a critic lol. Changing the script is seductive into errors though. Awesome video btw!

[@GoldenOunk]

Dikembe GOAT defender proves your video regardless

[@rep227]

You need to cover Rockets in your next video. People don't show enough respect.

[@moegreene3630]

Literally was gonna say that. You had me thinking I was crazy for a minute.

[@yoshikigrg8]

Ikr

[@khalil8391]

Wemby, Chet, and Ausar all being top of the league defenders in their first season is insane

[@ruchpat1]

As a Pistons fan I’m proud of Ausar hope he keeps it up. Dude earns every minute of playing time he gets

[@123shotas]

​@@ruchpat1we all know that Pistons will destroy his carrier, trade already needed 😂

[@MeatBall_Don_Lie]

@@123shotassame thing about Curry in 2012

[@tommywolmart265]

His instincts to know when to jump is amazing. Like he can diagnose a pump fake vs an actual shot at an elite level.

[@peteblaxmith]

@@123shotas why? the pistons are a good franchise historically.. not like theyre the T-wolves or clippers.

[@frankl3518]

It's so refreshing to hear a top 5 pick, a superstar before entering the NBA say he just wants to guard the other teams best player and do things to contribute to winning. He's gonna be so good.

[@lolh4x]

I agree. It's a very EU mindset, super atypical in US basketball.

[@t4d0W]

I think he just knows his limitations and strengths as a rookie who can contribute as a player on the floor. He understands that if he can STAY on the floor with his defense, he is going to get those much needed reps/minutes that some of his draft classmates may take for granted. Its sorta like how Ben Simmons was able to make an impact in his first 2 playing seasons despite his limitations. He had the playmaking on offense but he could also lock up ball handlers at the perimeter with his size and athleticism.

[@frankl3518]

@@t4d0W That's true. But even Ben got to play with the ball alot

[@MrDiMES123]

@@lolh4xthey don’t play defense in eu

[@zerocal76]

The kid is old-school. I fuckin love itttttt!

[@bballtotal]

It’s just crazy how Ausar & Wemby could potentially make the All Defensive Team in their ROOKIE SEASON!!!🤯

[@jiggafromstatefarm9997]

Chet As Well

[@clean280]

chet disrespect continuing

[@Michael-vw4cg]

Chet might get the all defensive team nod over wemby

[@johnmcm7690]

Thats a stretch

[@StrangeloveO]

I’m not saying he’s better, but so far Chet has been at least as good as wemby on defense

[@MugiOverall]

The funniest part about Ausar is that he leads all rookies in Rebounds this season. Meaning he is outrebounding 7'4 Wemby and 7'1 Chet lol

[@Baddknewz]

Heart > Height

[@AJ-iu6nw]

Rodman-esque.@@Baddknewz

[@Valleybucker]

@@Baddknewz on boards, definitely yes. The amount of boards i've been able to get back when i played while being smaller at 6'3 is too damn high

[@tyronejefferson7858]

its been 9 games relax

[@dipper5835]

Victor doesn't really hang around the rim by design, thats why they got 2 big man out there for the spurs. For chet, i rarely even watch them to say why he don't got more rebounds

[@mars2b]

Not only does he have elite defensive potential but he is also a very good playmaker. I can't wait to watch his game mature with Cade Cunningham, Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

[@leeharrison5718]

ik this team is so young the potential is infinite. i just hope they continue to build chemistry this could be the best the pistons have been since the early 2000s

[@anubis4032]

Damn so its stew over ivey now? 😮

[@MuckNoya]

@@anubis4032Lmaoo ehh they're both interchangeable. Duren, Thompson, and Cade should be untouchable

[@cloud3997]

Take stew out of there 😂

[@t4d0W]

Stew is movable especially with his solid contract. Cade does well with rim running bigs which is why Duren and even Bagley does well with him. They can definitely use more shooters with all these willing passers they have.

[@clanwaddell5628]

I love great defensive players. It takes so much skill, anticipation and savvy to pull it off at this level

[@bryant475]

He reminds me of Andrei "AK47" Kirilenko, my favorite player growing up in th 2000s, bc of his all around game, and defense first mind set. He was the only SF/Wing to average 3 blocks per game, and did it two seasons in a row! He also got over 1.5 steals per game in those seasons, which puts him in elite company (in 03-04, he was the only player in NBA history to finish top 4 in both blocks and steals). Not to mention the 3 5 by 5's in his career, 2nd only to Hakeem the Dream! Idk if Ausar can reach that level of all around game/defensive prowess as a SF/Wing, but he has a pretty darn good chance!

[@yehor_ivanov]

Bill Russell

[@clanwaddell5628]

AK and Russell were ridiculous on defense

[@makesmartTROYces]

And it takes heart and dedication.

[@lachlaneft]

Ausar channeling some Kawhi.

[@uriel7940]

I freaking love players like him! The all around player! - Elite and versatile defender - Elite rebounder for his position - Incredible at stealing the ball and blocking shots - Is a capable playmaker - Hustles, plays smart, and works hard Now imagine if he developed a respectable shot. Wow

[@shonawine90]

Just hope he doesn't turn into Ben Simmons kid has potential

[@jcgocrazy]

@@shonawine90 the difference is Ausar loves the game of basketball. Ben was more concerned in being a celebrity. His work ethic was in question while he was still at LSU

[@BlazerWaves]

The next Kawhi Leonard

[@shonawine90]

@@BlazerWaves yes prime kawhi without injuries

[@OmaAlkebulan-grace]

How I played the game😢

[@arjaythekid2117]

Ausar looks more and more like a young Dennis Rodman on the pistons of the mid to late 80s .. 6’6 , elite athlete , hustle player , great defender , plus rebounder

[@sipsisina]

At a time when offense is heavily favored at the expanse of defense, it is refreshing to see a player utilizing his talent in such a way. Love your videos!

[@elliotdeltoro3319]

Agreed. At a time when the 3 point shot is so overemphasized, to see a rookie use his gifts on D is just such a refreshing throwback.

[@chitownkidd33]

Blame Adam Silver

[@johnmarkson1998]

it also makes us realise that offense is still hard. and we just took all these guys for granted thinking anyone can shoot a 3. this freak athelte shooting air balls is proof that you do still need skill to play in the nba. instead of apreciating the offensive talent older nba fans just focused on shitting on the defensive side. and its sad. im glad players like simmons exist. showcasing why just being a good defender is overrated by older fans.

[@alecgleason]

@@elliotdeltoro3319 You guys realize the 3 point shot being "overemphasized" is why offenses are so good now right? And why it seems defense is worse today than before. It's almost impossible to guard a team with the amount of space that "overemphasizing" 3's gives you.

[@patrickvalimento9744]

​@@johnmarkson1998100%

[@CountFisco]

It's way too early to say but I feel this years rookie class is one of the best ever

[@anubis4032]

That really depends on scoot everyone else has showed up but him

[@holyghost8467]

​@@anubis4032I don't think he'll be there good

[@letsmakeit110]

@@anubis4032 scoot can be darko

[@JayUpSix]

@@JMatthewJohnsonsmh, miller looks to be better than ausar if he gets his dribble/defense down

[@Cabbag3e15]

I can't wait to watch the rest of the season. These rookies are special

[@chuchuchuchia]

I can't even explain how impressive this kid is. It's about time people used their athleticism on D, I really hope he can become a modern day Kirilenko.

[@bryant475]

Haha you read my mind! He reminds me of Andrei "AK47" Kirilenko, my favorite player growing up in th 2000s, bc of his all around game, and defense first mind set. He was the only SF/Wing to average 3 blocks per game, and did it two seasons in a row! He also got over 1.5 steals per game in those seasons, which puts him in elite company (in 03-04, he was the only player in NBA history to finish top 4 in both blocks and steals). Not to mention the 3 5 by 5's in his career, 2nd only to Hakeem the Dream! Idk if Ausar can reach that level of all around game/defensive prowess as a SF/Wing, but he has a pretty darn good chance!

[@appletopop8449]

Bro kirelenko really

[@chuchuchuchia]

@@bryant475 I think about him blocking Kobe's fadeaway at least once a week. Absolute monster.

[@chuchuchuchia]

@@appletopop8449 Yes the goat Kirilenko

[@daniel_dumile]

That bounce pass he did near the end was A+

[@HakeemTheDream616]

Him being on a list with centers who recorded 40 rebounds and 10 blocks their rookie year is crazy, and all of those centers winning mvp is even crazier.

[@DanielCastro-ok8zb]

Just a minor correction: Dikembe Mutombo was never MVP.

[@theoneabovethou9601]

He was defensive mvp

[@motivationalmacktv]

No such thing

[@kenmdoe2388]

Love defenders man, this guy has a new fan💯

[@bryant475]

Same here! He reminds me of Andrei "AK47" Kirilenko, my favorite player growing up in th 2000s, bc of his all around game, and defense first mind set. He was the only SF/Wing to average 3 blocks per game, and did it two seasons in a row! He also got over 1.5 steals per game in those seasons, which puts him in elite company (in 03-04, he was the only player in NBA history to finish top 4 in both blocks and steals). Not to mention the 3 5 by 5's in his career, 2nd only to Hakeem the Dream! Idk if Ausar can reach that level of all around game/defensive prowess as a SF/Wing, but he has a pretty darn good chance!

[@somersetbassett4580]

As the father if ID twin boys I have enjoyed watching these young men grow and enter the league. Draymonds Greens comment about them was spot on: "gonna be hard for us old guys to make defensive team with these young guys" 😅

[@captainevy3133]

That shai move at 8:04 is so crisp and Ausar is still all over him. Holy crap why cant these insane defenders ever shoot like 37 % from three 😢

[@jcgocrazy]

@@YungPhilosopher took him a few seasons to get there. Let's see how Ausar progressess

[@chieflancewaiters7034]

Caruso is career 37%

[@FMDedits]

No, it didn’t? Lonzo came into the league as an elite perimeter defender n playmaker He’s just not outrageously athletic

[@Luka77Legend]

Ausar a kid he can at least hit 34% which is league average

[@emmanuelmondesir]

We all miss Lonzo. I want him back with the Pelicans.

[@Ahmari223]

This draft class is going to be legendary watch. Alot of generational talent. Dude lockin up premier players in his 1st season that’s unheard of

[@sincerecolar]

I love this guy. You can tell by the athletes this channel spotlight YOU REALLY see the actual game. Both the twins are elite, yet their readiness and stoic eagerness to take the league by storm most don't trust yet. It’s like pure instinct coupled seasoned discipline.

[@venod3134]

He is one of the best on KZbin. Period.

[@freelildame1736]

stoic eagerness is the perfect phrase to describe their disposition

[@sincerecolar]

@@freelildame1736 From One Stoic to Another.

[@OfficialJabe]

what stood out to me is his savant level of intuitive knowledge of transfering his center of gravity. Prime MVP D-rose explosive cuts and feints were so violent/jagged everyone knew that playstyle was not sustainable long term. Ausar explosion is similar, but the conservation of energy is MUCH smoother. He rotates his hips swings off his backfoot and turns into full sprints in .1 second.

[@poly_g6068]

He has serious running form. His mechanics are like a track athlete and he's basically only at half throttle while he terrorizes people off the ball at breakneck speeds. I gotta wonder how fast he could really go.

[@dispater101]

Bro really uses every single ounce of his insane athleticism to use..def going to be a perennial All Defensive guy if healthy

[@aholymost]

When Ben and Cody started talking about Ausar on the podcast about a week ago, my first thought was to go check out his highlights. But then I realized I could just wait for the video. When Ben talks about a guy like he did Ausar, when he sounds bewildered by the very existence of the basketball player he's describing, you know he's cooking up a video.

[@PoisonAF_]

Pistons: We got a rookie who got much potential and can contribute to the team with his finishing, defense and playmaking skills, hes a future superstar Monty: No problem i will give him 8minutes a game

[@SK-mw8vd]

I love this player archetype! He is the evolution of Thybulle and Herb, and it's so much fun to watch on defense.

[@michaelahurt]

He's Andre Iguodala reincarnated. But somehow even more athletic.

[@aaronisom9012]

Lifelong Piston fan. Asuar fits the Pistons Culture works for every minute. Reminds me of Tayshaun Prince a big Reason We won a title in 2004

[@shorewall]

Pistons have a good looking young team.

[@miguelladinodevera614]

Tayshaun had a better shot than the kid. Granted the rookie is gonna develop and learn but maybe he should talk to Prince, Rip and Joe Dumars on how to improve his jumper. This kid is gonna be DPOY at some point provided he doesn't get seriously injured.

[@aaronisom9012]

@@miguelladinodevera614 absolutely Good Form I just don’t feel like he’s strong enough yet he shoots a lot of airballs yea he’s physically strong but the NBA Grind different even Kobe said it. He Gotta better Feel for the Game than Prince

[@alaricjackson6520]

As a thunder/shai fan watching that pistons game his defense on shai and giddey single-handedly made him my favourite rookie😭🙏

[@user-iu3vc8hi8i]

so real

[@sneakers_guy5488]

He's deceptively fast. It's like he tricks the attacker into thinking they've got him beat, meaning they commit to the drive or shot, then Ausar reveals his extra burst and just denies whatever the attacker tries. Reminds me of Sun Tzu lol, all warfare is based on deception.

[@t4d0W]

Its not about deception. He legit has great lateral movement. It is the tool players need to be great perimeter defenders. Its just further exacerbated because he also has crazy athleticism and length to constantly recover blow-bys are a rookie. But he's already pretty solid fighting screens so he'll always stay attached to the hip of the guy he's defending.

[@isuzzuuu931]

Hopefully he and his brother Amen can become like “super-soldier” versions of Rondo, obviously the passing isn’t near rondos but the rebounding, elite defense, and passing ability these boys have shown, im really excited for what’s in store for these kids

[@nykareem2001]

When was rondo an elite defender?

[@isuzzuuu931]

@@nykareem2001 2010-2012 or whenever he made the all defensive teams can’t remember atm

[@fabzgotit]

Love this channel for putting me onto all the crazy talent in the league Edit: Also the block at 4:12 was absolutely filthy

[@dominicanderson5408]

Ausars so good, as a rockets fan I can’t wait for Amen to get back aswell. The Thompson twins are awesome.

[@garrisona5669]

He be swatting shots like a Big 😳

[@makima2883]

Amen isn't as good of a defender but I hope that when he gets back his defense is elite too

[@realtexasboy]

@@makima2883they’re both very athletic thats half the battle i think amen just needs some more confidence cause he guards 94 feet

[@tay4734]

@@makima2883 yep amen is still a great defender he gets multiple steals and blocks in games as well, he’s just a pg

[@dominicanderson5408]

Yeah agreed@@makima2883

[@purush4086]

Ausar is special!!!! Can't wait to see more of him. Pistons really got a gem in their hands.

[@spencersandberg7753]

Thinking basketball puts new players on my radar about 10 months before anyone else. Thanks for the insiders look on an exciting new talent!

[@FirashAdryan]

Bro, I’m thinking the exact same thing, it’s kinda crazy. This channel is like some stock market guru or something, but in basketball 😂

[@wc4201]

I thought I was the only one that was amazed by Ausar defensive play. Honestly his help defense and lock down defense reminds me of Mikes first couple of years. Their defensive style is similar.

[@oxic88]

He genuinely has the explosiveness of a WR/CB in football. Being the size he is and his wingspan, it’s a problem already for wings and guards. Can’t wait to see what the future holds!

[@bobbybagseed]

YESSS thank you bro for making this!!! I'm a life long Pistons fan and it's so surreal watching him play. He's blocked more jump shots already than anyone else's career I can remember lol

[@randompalmtopgaming7541]

There is a WHOLE NEW ERA of basketball to be unlocked - defensive specialists specifically trained to exceed on that end. Just imagine how many people out there have the athletic and gymnast potential to defend like this guy.

[@charmainebucco951]

Dennis Rodman + Scottie Pippen + MJ type of versatile defenders who r also 2-way killers. Dennis outrebounded 7ft centers and fellow 4s. Pip would scrap for boards whenever he was pissed and wanted a triple-double. Mike would get his own rebound any time of the night. Imagine this rookie having that same dog as those 3 especially Dennis on defense and rebounding. If this kid becomes like Mike on offense? No way he won't become a future MVP. Like Giannis did by winning both DPOY & MVP. Just have all these new guys becoming 2-way threats and the league will change for the better.

[@fadercreek]

alot sooner than later when the nba expands were gonna see alot more talented players

[@Sotanath86q]

not sure what you're on about, defensive specialists have always been useful and if you think people can defend like Ausar through physical ability alone you're dead wrong

[@philipwacker4629]

I am enjoying the season because you make me enjoy! - I have not have time to follow as deeply as I used to but I feel like as long as I watch your videos I know of the most exciting things to look out for. Thanks once again!

[@brandblue8980]

thank you for this great video. Ausar is special with unique skillset. His greatest strength being his intelligence/awareness offensively & defensively. His offensive game will develop as well. It will be great seeing him grow & get better.

[@paulh3261]

This is the defense people say that every 90s and 80s defender had.

[@Authorman2]

And those oldies needed constant handchecking and clogged lanes to provide that kinda defense, Ausar is just that quick.

[@tshiris1708]

Nah. Hall never had an athletic wing with this kind of length smh

[@Pineapples-Mango_Smoothie]

​@@Authorman2they where also visibly stronger and bigger the game was more physical thus having better bigs this era of bigs is thin outside of embid and joker we are in the golden era of guard play

[@Herzeder]

And it's factually not true.

[@davidfebreeze428]

@@Pineapples-Mango_Smoothiethey were bigger but I doubt stronger and not really taller … at that time people just a trouble figuring out 3 is more than 2 so most players were around the paint and defenders looked way better than they actually were because they didn’t have to defend as much space with help being nearby anyway

[@FirashAdryan]

Best case scenario for Ausar, is that he become Kawhi/Jimmy Butler-esque. I have high hopes for him, because he cares about playing defense, and that goes a long way. I’m not even a Pistons fan, but I’m praying that the Pistons will show him the patience to develop his offense, just like Pop did with Kawhi.

[@Free-Night]

Eehhh those two are muscular and play wit pace and patience to get to they spots Ausar plays fast looking for a pass or a layup he got a long ways to go til he becomes a consistent bucket getter especially wit dat jumpshot

[@nhw3030]

Pippin

[@t4d0W]

Offensively he's far raw than Kawhi or Jimmy when they were in their rookie seasons. Hell Kawhi had a working jumper when he was a sophomore at SDSU. Hell even Mikal Bridges who developed early as a 3&D player had a jumper. Come back in 2 years to see how much of a leap his jumper can get.

[@vedantgupta2145]

you are forgetting how kawhi was early in his career @@Free-Night

[@jay_armani]

Another underrated superstar in the makin Love see players like him, old school ball mentally I wish a career without injuries

[@scottwinn5043]

I've been so impressed by his play and his defensive enthusiasm, its very refreshing!

[@BatmanBoss]

Pistons have some serious young talent 💪

[@ramolong]

Hey Ben, I've been subscribed since your content while the bubble was going. I'd love to hear your thoughts on the bright spots in Miami such as Bam's continued growth🙏🏽. Love your content man and it feels surreal seeing how you went from a smaller, but distinguished hoop analysis channel to a legitimate partner of the league, keep up the great work man🫶🏽

[@tenzo313]

I love your videos, especially when you talk about my guys from the Pistons! Appreciate your work :D

[@ABruhMan]

YESSIR!!!!!! My favorite basketball channel talking about my TEAM!! Gotta love it

[@bigmilt16]

Holy crap. He looks like young MJ on defense: unreal cat like quickness. I hope he develops a midrange game and works on his offensive footwork. He has easy DPOY potential.

[@joshuadonald9383]

The MJ defensive comparison is spot on from an eye test perspective for sure

[@rome8180]

The funny thing is Amen Thompson is supposed to be even more athletic. But he's been injured, and he's on a better team that's actually winning games. So he's had less opportunity to shine.

[@CashKiinG]

Thank you for giving him his credit he’s a blessing to watch

[@JohnDoe-gf5he]

Great video and great guy. You opened my eyes to this jewel.

[@Plague_Doc22]

Ausar "The Tsar" Thompson (needs to be his nickname) is someone I think will be a valuable player on a championship team in the future.

[@will-sully]

Either that or All-Star Thompson

[@t4d0W]

His name is practically a reference of the Egyptian god 'Osiris'. Its not flashy but I think it sticks out as being King of Defense.

[@Plague_Doc22]

@@t4d0W That's pretty sick too.

[@Jennifer-qy5dy]

Ausar "Rodman" Thompson or #flight 9

[@garyinternet5436]

Both Thompson twins have hugely underrated passing ability because they read the game at an altogether different level when compared to other rookies, and to be honest, when compared to a lot of veterans. Some of their passes from the summer league really made me sit up in my chair, rewind the play and watch it again in slow motion. It's been said, there has never been a great passer who wasn't also an intelligent player.

[@LoganNagol]

“There has never been a great passer who wasn’t also an intelligent player” I mean I agree but I don’t think great passing shows that you are overall a smart player. But you are at least smart at a specific part of basketball. Because I also think there has never been a great defender that wasn’t an intelligent player. But there has been lots of great passers that we’re not great defenders. And a lot of great defenders that were not great passers. I think it’s the ones that show they both great passers and defenders that truly are the basketball geniuses. Like if you think about the nba players that are specifically known for there basketball IQ the most common 4 names you will see brought up is Lebron, CP3, Draymond, and Jason Kidd. And i think a big part of that is all 4 of them are both great passers AND great defenders. So if Ausur really is a good passer like you said that is a great sign because we already know how good of a defender he is.

[@Sotanath86q]

Westbrook springs to mind as a great, low IQ passer

[@andersonnz6213]

I'm here for more Ausar videos please! He is definitely flying under the radar 🛸 Ausar is killing Fantasy bball. Loved this video great work.

[@Masoch1st]

thanks for putting this guy on my radar bro

[@demetorir6]

Watching him and his brother over in Pinecrest was just insane. I don't know if it was him or his brother but they were so athletic one of them hit there forehead on backboard while dunking the ball. Insane to see where there at now.

[@issac_oghernandez7020]

Great story 🤯

[@pantelisellinidis5956]

Dikembe mutombo is the most underated mvp ever😂!

[@rdroodypoo]

I think (hope) he's trying to see who's actually paying attention. 😆

[@ShermanSitter]

I really enjoy the finds like this. Players and teams not covered by ESPN in addition to those that are is so nice to see. This channel is about quality not trends and will stand the test of time.

[@lukehenry815]

I love watching this channel.. MUCH LOVE YALL

[@will-sully]

Great video. This kid is going to be a fixture on All-Defensive teams for years to come. As a Pistons fan disappointed at dropping to 5th in the lottery, it's fair to say we're no longer disappointed.

[@t4d0W]

Well he has the potential to join the Pistons vanguards of great overall defenders/rebounders. Rodman, Ben Wallace and potentially Ausar himself.

[@miguelladinodevera614]

Kid should talk to Joe Dumars, Dennis, Rip, Tayshaun, and the Wallace Boys if he has any questions about defense. Imagine if the young rook decided to play out his entire career in Detroit.

[@ryenman]

Ausar is the main reason I love watching the pistons because I am also a hybrid defender wing but I’m trying to be like a combination of Ausar and Rodman . watching him play makes me more capable of being a defender like him

[@rickyisme1230]

Incredible content as always 🙏

[@BricksonSchwenn]

Noticing that quiet concentrated personality a lot in these videos. This guy looks FOCUSED all the damn time.

[@Ginger2882.]

I think that Ausar will pretty certainly become one of the 5 best defenders in the league at his peak but I think the most interesting thing about this game in the upcoming seasons is what will his offensive game become. I could see him becoming a lethal slasher due to his athleticism or a great court general from the sparks of passing I have seen, if Detroit can develop those skills. Personally I think it will be substantially harder for his shot to come around because right now it looks very bad but if it does he has a chance at being an all-star and maybe even all-NBA caliber player.

[@t4d0W]

If his handles develops I think he can turn himself into a cutter/straight line rim finisher who can draw FTs. That will definitely open up his playmaking further especially if the Pistons get more shooters around them. If he gets gets stronger (which I think he can be) the Pistons can also run hand off screens with him too with his cutting and his ability to be a connective passer.

[@Ginger2882.]

@@t4d0W I can definitely see that. His handle has been a little rough at times so far but I think he can work on it. I think ideally they should work to make him an elite slasher to start because he has a lot of the skills to do that and then hope his shot will come around.

[@sunfloweravocado]

finally something i can watch while eating

[@chestercastillo9612]

This is awesome. I hope a lot of these rookies have the heart when it comes to defense.

[@kevingreene4090]

great content dude!

[@hugomorency8700]

Can't believe he contained Josh Giddey's signature move: the dribble straight around the defender with no moves or hesi's

[@tchalla7828]

I think he’s the best rookie perimeter defender since Iman Shumpert. I remember watching Shump on defense as a rookie with Knicks and it was a sight to behold. If not for injuries, he would have won a DPOY those first few seasons

[@moneyman4740]

Bilal Coulibaly in DC is an insane defensive rookie as well

[@bostonceltics2691]

Avery Bradley was better he was a demon on D specially On Ball Defense

[@jameslearing970]

He was not gon be a dpoy. Come on now

[@ashishronak5774]

@@jameslearing970 but he had DPOY potential

[@lilshaan6252]

@@jameslearing970crazy shump was locking niggas up. If he doesn’t get hurt, he’d be an all star and first team all defense

[@t2fresh]

I love watching good defense, this is the most entertaining basketball video I’ve seen in a while.

[@sameergir9723]

It’s so satisfying watching his defensive highlights, like damn

[@Grumpygrumpygrumpy]

I see Ausar as a Kawhi mold, hopefully not with injuries, he has the potential to be a two way beast in the NBA

[@TolbertOseiOwusu]

Ausar giving prime Andrei Kirilenko vibes

[@alm5851]

Great analysis!

[@SsjRedneck]

Love this channel for showcasing young talent across the league that casual fans may not know if they only follow the stars or their team

[@yunan9610]

He's just a tad faster than everybody else not just his actual physical speed, but also his reaction speed

[@iam-12345......]

Man, I just pray that his shot improves. If it does, we are likely talking about one of the best two-way players ever.

[@DoloDidThat]

Great breakdown. This is beautiful defense

[@user-ht3pb9ny1j]

amazing video keep up the good work

[@user-js9fb5bp4b]

Seeing Ausar, it’s sad that Amen is not getting enough minutes to shine

[@trumpetking11]

He was getting plenty of minutes before he got hurt. Not starting but he was the first man off the bench.

[@jonathanlgill]

@@trumpetking11 This isn't true. Amen's been averaging under 17 minutes a game.

[@t4d0W]

Maybe he'll get more minutes later in the season. Right now that Rockets lineup and roles are solidified with young talents along with the vets. With the Pistons they don't have a lot of potential high ceiling guys to play and Ausar locked up his role as defensive anchor.

[@francoa.9646]

What??? Amen has cost the Rockets wins when he was healthy. Now with him off the court, the Rockets are on a winning streak. We are in a win now mode, no need to sacrifice wins trying to develop one player. Send him to G league with Cam once he recovers.they both can get plenty of minutes there without costing us wins.

[@francoa.9646]

@@jonathanlgilland that was TOO MANY

[@MrBeastjebuz]

Making things look very easy. Great video.

[@gerardvermaat6944]

Thank you for this video. Great stuff and its just amazing to watch Ausars defense. How the hell can he mirror his opponent this good 😮

[@xboxfosho]

I love when you highlight and unknown defender. Its so much more fascinating to me

[@mr.t-real2009]

Such a tremendous video! You earned my sub.

[@ericknromero]

Great breakdown! Keep it up. As a Spurs fan before the NBA lottery and draft this past summer, believing there wasn't much hope of snatching the #1 pick, Ausar was my next best option after Victor. I believe Detroit got a steal with this dude because he can do it all (shot forthcoming) and he's already an elite defender as a rookie. His attitude seems rock solid, too, which the Pistons need during their return to contention.

[@flipsolo]

Ausar already got the TB treatment! I'll be watching this kid!

[@yksveam]

Ben is the legend!

[@K3andK4]

Thank you for the Pistons Love! Much appreciated!

[@BlessedTex_]

Thank you for making this video! I took my entire family to watch Ausar and Amen play for the Florida High School State Championship, and even back then, they looked like professional athletes among teenagers.

[@thebatmanwhoposts9600]

In-depth analysis of lesser known players are my favorite kind of videos.

[@willg1842]

Great video!

[@roboticismRus]

im beaming. love when you make videos about pistons!

[@whobitmyname]

God bless you bro, you're gonna help me raise an NBA player with these defensive breakdowns. 😂

[@thenopasslook]

love the defensive breakdowns

[@philliptimmons2135]

My first watch. Great work!

[@beatinbuzzers]

To think that the season is only a few weeks in and the highlights are plentiful shows this kids talent! Holy hell he's gonna be fun to watch moving forward! Lets hope he keeps the same drive throughout his career for defense that he has now. Should be fun!

[@TheOne_1969]

Great analysis.

[@mckdogdrums3543]

Ausar is insane indeed. Thanks for the very informative video. I wish I could have seen a team in my time that had the likes of Jrue Holiday, Ausar, Scottie Barnes, and Chet Holgrem all assembled on the one team lol

[@codyunruh7071]

Love your videos, Please break down Maxey’s playmaking and scoring leap next!!