[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Ausar Thompson
Frame: 6’7 204 lbs
Position: Wing
Team: Overtime Elite
2023 draft age: 20
Stats via StatMuse, Overtime Elite, teamrankings.com, nbadraftroom.com

Offense

Ausar Thompson is ~almost~ the complete package, averaging 16.2 points with 5.4 assists and 7.2 rebounds per game on respectable shooting splits (48 percent from the field, 32 percent from three, and 67 percent from the line). 

Recently, we’ve seen many lottery picks with similar attributes to Thompson struggle with their offensive game (Isaac Okoro, Jonathan Kuminga, Jeremy Sochan, etc.) Yes, the previously mentioned players are young, but Thompson stands out with significant potential as a three-level scorer at the next level. It’s not his shooting but his combination of size and playmaking ability that gives his offensive game a safe floor with room to grow.

In addition, Thompson’s elite-level rebounding for his position allows him to push the ball in transition, creating easy fastbreak opportunities for himself and his teammates. Thompson’s size can provide versatility at both ends of the floor. He can drive past smaller defenders, play the primary ball handler/distributor, or set up on the wing.

Ideally, Thompson will continue to work on his shot selection and shooting form to become a reliable secondary playmaker in a starting rotation and establishes himself as the franchise wing any team can build around. 

  • At 2:10-3:12, we can see Thompson cruising past defenders, finishing high off the glass in transition, and skating by defenders who press him at the top of the key. 
  • At 7:08-7:18, we can see Thompson making plays for his teammates, showcasing his court awareness, ball handling, and understanding of how to break down a defense. 

Defense

Currently averaging 2.4 steals (sixth in Overtime Elite) and 1.3 blocks per game, Thompson’s defensive versatility will provide immediate value. While many young prospects struggle defensively upon entering the league, Thompson’s elite athleticism and 6’11” wingspan should help him become a gifted defender.

Thompson could follow in the footsteps of prospects who still need polish on the offensive side yet contribute defensively, like Dyson Daniels, Jonathan Kuminga, and Herbert Jones. Thompson can guard positions 1 through 4, switch on the pick and roll, use his athleticism to keep up with quick guards, and his size to handle larger wings. A Swiss Army knife on the defensive end, Thompson can use his defense to ignite fastbreak opportunities and create plays for his teammates in transition. His quick hands, defensive footwork, and hustle on the defensive end will provide immediate value and encourage coaches to give him minutes early on in his career as his game fully matures. 

From the video above, at the 6:09 mark, we can see Thompsons’s ability as a post defender, blocking a shot.

  • At the 5:35 mark, we can see Thomspon swipe the ball from a guard at the top of the key, creating a fast break opportunity.
  • At the 5:45 mark, Thompson utilizes his size and athleticism to block a larger opponent in the paint. 

Looking Ahead

Like many young talents, Thomspon’s game still needs polish. He often tries to do too much, as showcased by his 3.1 turnovers per game. However, Thompson’s strengths and potential should solidify him as a top-10 draft pick.

Unlike other recent wings like Josh Jackson, Otto Porter Jr., Jabari Parker, and many others, Thompson can impact the game at three levels. At just 20 years old, Thompson’s game will only improve. However, like Daniels and Kuminga, expect Thompson’s minutes to be somewhat limited until his offensive decision-making and shot selection have improved.

His defense and size should lead to minutes as a rookie, but until his offense catches up, he may be limited to 15-20 per game. One positive sign, his three-point percentage has steadied in the 35 percent range for much of the year. Give him time to develop (decision-making, strength, etc.), and by year three, he should grow into a building block for any franchise.