The NBA rookie ladder is something every young NBA fan has their eyes on. With power-packed contenders for the Rookie of the Year award, it makes it even more exciting. While everybody had hoped for the first pick to be the obvious leader, fans have chosen an underdog to be their favorite. Yes, Victor Wembanyama is not the one that fans think should be on the top of the ladder; instead, it is Ausar Thompson.
Compared to the rest of the rookie class, Ausar Thompson is producing at a level that is far more identical to that of Wemby and Chet Holmgren. In terms of rebounds per game, he leads all rookies and is putting up excellent defensive numbers. Although Wembanyama vs. Holmgren for Rookie of the Year has dominated the conversation the whole season, rookie Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons has been the most outstanding rookie thus far.
https://t.co/wWGNmWnCY9’s updated rookie ladder:
1. Victor Wembanyama
2. Chet Holmgren
3. Ausar Thompson
4. Jordan Hawkins
5. Dereck Lively II
6. Brandon Miller
7. Jaime Jaquez Jr.
8. Keyonte George
9. Bilal Coulibaly
10. Marcus Sasser— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 15, 2023
With more self-assurance in his shooting skills, Thompson has the potential to emerge as one of the NBA’s top two-way players. This season has been a complete roller coaster, as highly anticipated during the NBA draft. Scoot Henderson did not even make the top 10 on that list.
Ausar Thompson seems to be the fan favorite over Victor Wembanyama
Although Wemby has better numbers and is still at the top of the list, with Holmgren in second, fans on social media have chosen their own champion. Ausar has been dubbed the No. 1 rookie by the majority of NBA followers all over the internet. “Ausar should be 1,” said one of the top comments on a post on X that revealed the top 10 rankings.
Another fan was just appreciative of Thompson’s all-around style of playing. “Ausar Thompson is one of the best all-around players in the league,” the fan stated bluntly. Ausar is obviously going to be a key member of this Pistons team, and he might have a much better chance than anyone else to take home the ROTY trophy.
How do Ausar Thompson’s numbers look so far?
Among ROY winners since 2000, Ausar Thompson’s 34.0 FP/G ranks as the seventh-best fantasy scoring season. In an NBA game on November 13, 2023, Ausar Thompson recorded the most rebounds of his career. He pulled down 16 rebounds in Detroit’s 119–108 road loss to Chicago that day. In addition, he had 2 assists, 1 block, and 9 points.
In terms of total rebounds, blocks, and steals this season, Ausar Thompson is ranked in the top 15 in the NBA. Alongside elite guards, the player excels in the rebounding and blocking categories. He puts up great effort and works hard to achieve remarkable achievements.Overall, Thompson is that one guy nobody ever thought of doing so well, but he is outshining the NBA’s top draft picks. When the next update of the NBA rookie ladder comes out, don’t be surprised if you see his name on top.