2023 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Ausar Thompson

Scouting Simplified

Written: 5/23/23

Profile:

Position: (SG/SF) Shooting Guard/Small Forward

School: Overtime Elite

Birth Date: 1/30/03

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 215

Wingspan: 6-11

Collegiate Stats:

PPG: 16.3 FG%: 48.3% 3pt%: 30.0% FT%: 67.1%

RPG: 6.9

APG: 6.1

BPG: 1.3

SPG: 2.7

TPG: 3.4

MPG: 27.6

Strengths & Weaknesses:

Strengths:

- Versatility & IQ

- Offensive upside

- Secondary playmaking

- Rebounding

Weaknesses:

- 3pt shooting/consistency

- Ball handling

- Turnover prone

Extended Analysis & Projection:

If you're a team looking for athletic, versatile, two-way wing players, you have to take a deep look at 6'7" wing Ausar Thompson. Thompson starred on the Overtime Elite with his twin brother Amen, and his all-around performance has him looking at a potential top-10 selection in this year's NBA draft. 

Unlike his brother, Ausar Thompson profiles as a wing due to a slightly bigger build and physical playstyle. Ausar is the prototypical, modern small forward in today’s NBA who has the versatile skill set to succeed in any number of roles. 

What jumps off the tape immediately is his elite defensive ability. With phenomenal agility and strength for his size, Ausar showed the ability to guard positions 1-4. He's pesky, scrappy, tough, and smart on and off the ball. He really set the tone for the Elite during their most recent campaign and has shown he can play in a variety of defensive sets. Thompson's effort on the glass separates him as well. Grabbing 6.9 boards per game, he's everywhere on the glass, and it's hard not to fall in love with his motor. Ausar is a game-changer on the defensive end and is going to see the floor early because of it, plain and simple. 

The offensive side of the ball is where Ausar will see the most question marks early in his NBA career. Scoring-wise, Ausar flashed shot creation in the mid-range and at the rim. However, his perimeter shooting will be a key developmental focus. Additionally, his handle isn't the sharpest, which also limits his ability to break down defenders 1-on-1. His size and athleticism were enough to get him to the hoop regularly, but he’ll have to develop these areas to get the same results against NBA-level talent. 

With a somewhat unorthodox stroke and shooting just 30% from 3-point range, there are legitimate concerns about his offensive upside. However, I believe that’s a swing you’re willing to take based off of his athleticism and willingness to play within a system that may not feature him early on in his career.

A unique attribute of Ausar's is his playmaking. The wing was not pressed with primary ball-handler duties, as his brother mainly took the reins, but he showcased good IQ creating for others as a secondary option. His 6.1 assists per game came within the flow of the offense, and he consistently made the right pass, even flashing a bit of flair at times on outlet passes in transition. He can get himself into trouble when deciding to pass or shoot, which leads to 3.4 turnovers per game. He’ll have to clean up his decision-making, but I believe this is where Ausar will distinguish himself on the offensive side of the floor, and it will only increase his value as an offensive player if his shot-making takes time to improve. 

Through the lens of an NBA coach, it's hard not to be enamored by Ausar Thompson. He's a modern NBA wing with plus physical attributes, high IQ, and an unselfish playstyle. I see bits and pieces of multiple NBA players, including Mikal Bridges and Kyle Anderson, but I land on Andre Iguodala. Iguodala came out of college with a similar skillset, known for his defense and athleticism, and I believe Ausar has these abilities in spades. I see potentially the same offensive arc Iggy showcased in the front half of his career as well. Look for Ausar to hear his name called early.