Last year, the Detroit Pistons struggled to contain the opposing team’s best player, especially when that player was a multidimensional wing. As I mentioned in a previous article, the small forward may be the most valuable position in a positionless NBA.
Small forwards need to be able to defend quick, shifty guards without getting in foul trouble. They also need to be able to guard at least power forwards who could be 6-foot-10 or taller. Ausar Thompson projects as a player who could guard one through five.
Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson’s elite defensive potential
As a guard/forward standing 6-foot-7 Thompson has all of the physical tools needed to successfully defend in the NBA.