Usually, it takes a while for several rookies to find their place in the league that’s filled with talent. Ausar Thompson is one such player who trying his best to rise above the rest of his teammates and peers. The 2023 NBA Draft brought a few tough competitors, and Thompson was one of those top picks. His brother, Amen, was drafted right before him. The siblings showcased great potential during their time in high school.
So far, despite Amen being the higher pick, Ausar has emerged as the better player. The latter has been dealing with fewer injuries and is slowly emerging from a rather slow start to his professional career. However, a former NBA All-Star claims that Ausar isn’t worth keeping around if he isn’t averaging elite numbers. “And this is just me, but it is reality, you’re 20, turning 21, averaging 10, you’re not in my future,” Gilbert Arenas said on the Gil’s Arena Podcast.
Gilbert Arenas on Ausar Thompson
“You’re 20 turning 21 averaging ten you’re not in my future” #DetroitBasketball
via @GilsArenaShow pic.twitter.com/1QsqTNB9X1
— Pistons Talk (@Pistons__Talk) December 12, 2023
“If I’m gonna have him as a defensive player, okay cool. But, I mean, if I’m gonna make him a cornerstone, like he is the cornerstone of my future, [No],” he concluded. Former Detroit Pistons player Rasheed Wallace tried to defend Ausar Thompson. But Arenas stood firm on his stance. Unfortunately, this backfired on Arenas as social media users quickly drew attention to his rookie stat line which also featured lower numbers than Thompson’s.
Was Gilbert Arenas any better than Ausar Thompson during his rookie season?
Fans defended Ausar Thompson all over social media and claimed that Gilbert Arenas was being unreasonable. Some urged Arenas to realize Ausar needs some time to grow into the league. The former Washington Wizards player didn’t have a stat line any better than Thompson’s during his rookie year. In fact, he averaged just as much as Thompson has been averaging since his debut. Keep in mind, that it has only been a month since the season has commenced.
Gil’s rookie season btw pic.twitter.com/aPbUJg9vGR
— free ja (@drivesIowly) December 12, 2023
Gil, you averaged the same amount of points on much worse defense. Let the brother develop man. pic.twitter.com/dPdeIE97ps
— Reela 🇭🇹 (@YoungReela) December 12, 2023
Gilbert averaged 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game. He shot 45.3% from the field, 34.5% from deep, and 77.5% from the foul line along with 1.5 steals per game. Ausar has been putting up better numbers in comparison. He has been putting up 10.6 points along with 8.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game. Thompson also averaged 1 steal and 1.3 blocks along with it. With a 45.7% shooting average, he averages better defensive numbers than Arenas did during his debut season.
Ausar Thompson has only appeared for 23 games so far this season. Things are expected to get far more competitive over the next couple of months. This also means Thompson could potentially emerge as a better player while averaging better numbers. Arenas was a little too quick to jump the gun and share his opinion.