Ausar Thompson sidelined at Pistons training camp due to blood clot
- Ausar Thompson is currently unable to participate in contact drills due to a blood clot he experienced during his rookie season.
- He has been cleared for non-contact drills and conditioning, but is uncertain about his full clearance timeline.
- The Pistons are hopeful for his recovery and aim to integrate him back into the team as they rebuild for future success.
In the United States, Detroit Pistons small forward Ausar Thompson is currently sidelined from contact drills at the beginning of training camp due to a blood clot he suffered during his rookie season. The team’s president of basketball operations, Trajan Langdon, indicated that Thompson is navigating a medical process in collaboration with the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association. Although Thompson feels well, he is uncertain about when he will receive full clearance to participate in training camp activities. Thompson has been authorized to engage in non-contact drills, conditioning, and strength training, as the team supports him through this process. The Pistons drafted the 6-foot-6 player with the No. 5 pick in the NBA draft, and he had a promising rookie season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists over 63 games. His last game was on March 9, after which the team announced he would miss the remainder of the season due to the blood clot. The organization is optimistic about Thompson's recovery, with expectations for a full return by the 2024-25 season. The Pistons are undergoing a rebuilding phase, aiming to improve their performance after finishing with the worst record in the league for the past two years. The franchise has not won a playoff game since 2008, and recent changes in management and coaching reflect their commitment to restoring competitiveness. As the team integrates new players and strategies, they remain focused on supporting Thompson's health and ensuring he can contribute effectively when cleared to play.