Ausar Thompson is one of the most exciting young talents in the NBA today. At just 22 years old, he’s already making a name for himself as a dynamic force for the Detroit Pistons. Fans love his electrifying athleticism, his relentless defense, and the way he brings energy to every game.
Off the court, Ausar is just as interesting, with a story shaped by family sacrifices, hard work, and a relentless drive to succeed. If you’re curious about his journey, how much he’s earning, his contract details, and what’s happening in his personal life, this article covers everything you want to know about Ausar Thompson.
Ausar Thompson’s Biography
Attribute | Details |
---|---|
Full Name | Ausar Thompson |
Date of Birth | January 30, 2003 |
Age | 22 years old |
Education | Homeschooled, Pine Crest School (Fort Lauderdale, FL) |
Nationality | American |
Height | 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) |
Weight | 207 lbs (93.9 kg) |
Turned Pro | 2021 (Overtime Elite) |
Net Worth | Estimated $8 million |
Salary/Career Earnings | $16.35 million |
Wife/Girlfriend | N/A |
Instagram Profile | @ausarthompson (over 300,000 followers) |
Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
Ausar Thompson’s basketball journey began in San Leandro, California, where he was born alongside his twin brother, Amen. From an early age, basketball was more than just a pastime-it was a family affair. Their father, Troy Thompson, worked tirelessly to support his sons’ basketball dreams, often driving them to games and practices after long days at work. Their mother, Maya, played an equally important role, leaving her job to homeschool the twins so they could balance academics and intense basketball training.
The family’s commitment to basketball led to a major life change when Ausar and Amen were in eighth grade. Recognizing their sons’ potential, the Thompsons moved from California to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, so the twins could attend Pine Crest School. This move was all about giving Ausar and Amen the best shot at a basketball future, even if it meant leaving behind their home and extended family.
At Pine Crest School, Ausar quickly made a name for himself. He was a five-star recruit according to ESPN and helped lead his team to a state championship. His time at Pine Crest was about more than just winning games-it was about learning discipline, building character, and developing a work ethic that would set him apart. Ausar’s bond with his twin brother was a constant source of motivation, and the two pushed each other to be better every day.
Instead of taking the traditional college route, Ausar made a bold decision after his junior year of high school. He joined Overtime Elite (OTE), a new professional league designed for young basketball prospects. This move allowed him to focus entirely on basketball while earning compensation and gaining professional experience.
In OTE, Ausar played for Team Elite and later for the City Reapers, where he quickly became a star. He won back-to-back OTE championships, was named Finals MVP twice, and earned the OTE Most Valuable Player award in 2023. These achievements made him one of the most sought-after prospects for the NBA draft.
Professional Career
Ausar Thompson entered the NBA as the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, selected by the Detroit Pistons. This was a historic moment, as his twin brother, Amen, was picked fourth overall, making them the first identical twins to be selected back-to-back in the top five of the same NBA draft.
From the moment he joined the Pistons, Ausar made an immediate impact. In his rookie season (2023-24), he played 63 games, starting 38 of them. He averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. What stood out most was his defensive prowess-he led the team in steals and blocks, becoming the first Piston since Andre Drummond to average at least 1.0 steal and 0.9 blocks in a season. His versatility allowed him to guard multiple positions, and his high-energy style quickly made him a fan favorite in Detroit.
Ausar’s rookie year was not without challenges. He missed the end of the 2023-24 season due to a blood clot, but he bounced back strong for the 2024-25 season. In his second year, he took on a larger role, starting 48 of 59 games and increasing his scoring average to 10.1 points per game. He also averaged 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, showing growth in every aspect of his game. His shooting efficiency improved, with his field goal percentage rising to over 53%.
On the court, Ausar is known for his explosive athleticism, quick hands, and relentless effort. He excels in transition, often finishing fast breaks with powerful dunks. Defensively, he’s a disruptor, using his length and anticipation to generate steals and block shots. Coaches and teammates praise his work ethic and his willingness to do the dirty work-diving for loose balls, fighting for rebounds, and taking on tough defensive assignments.
Ausar Thompson’s Net Worth Details
Ausar Thompson’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million as of 2025.
Contract
Ausar Thompson signed a four-year rookie-scale contract with the Detroit Pistons after being selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. The total value of his contract is $36,246,405, and the entire amount is fully guaranteed. The deal includes team options for the third and fourth years, which is standard for NBA rookie contracts.
For the 2024-25 season, his salary is $8,376,000, with increases scheduled each year-$8,775,000 in 2025-26 and $11,117,925 in 2026-27-if the Pistons choose to exercise those options. This contract structure gives both Thompson and the Pistons flexibility, ensuring financial security for the player and control for the team as he continues to develop and prove his value on the court
Salary
For the 2024-25 NBA season, Ausar Thompson is earning a base salary of $8,376,000 with the Detroit Pistons. His salary is set to increase each year as part of his rookie contract, reflecting his growing role and value to the team.
If the Pistons exercise their team options, Ausar will make $8,775,000 in the 2025-26 season and $11,117,925 in the 2026-27 season. These figures place him among the higher-paid young players on the roster, and his earnings are expected to rise even further if he continues to perform at a high level and secures a new contract in the future.
Career Earnings
Season | Team | Age | Status | Salary | Cumulative Earnings |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-24 | Detroit Pistons | 21 | Active | $7,977,480 | $7,977,480 |
2024-25 | Detroit Pistons | 22 | Active | $8,376,000 | $16,353,480 |
2025-26 | Detroit Pistons | 23 | Club Option | $8,775,000 | $25,128,480 |
2026-27 | Detroit Pistons | 24 | Club Option | $11,117,925 | $36,246,405 |
NBA Career Stats
Season | Team | GP | GS | MPG | FG% | 3P% | FT% | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG | PPG |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2023-24 | Detroit Pistons | 63 | 38 | 25.1 | .483 | .186 | .597 | 6.4 | 1.9 | 1.1 | 0.9 | 8.8 |
2024-25 | Detroit Pistons | 59 | 48 | 22.5 | .535 | .224 | .641 | 5.1 | 2.3 | 1.7 | 0.7 | 10.1 |
Career | 122 | 86 | 23.9 | .509 | .198 | .621 | 5.8 | 2.1 | 1.4 | 0.8 | 9.4 |
FAQs
1. Who is Ausar Thompson and which NBA team does he play for?
Ausar Thompson is an American professional basketball player who plays for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. He was drafted fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft and is known for his versatility as a shooting guard and small forward.
2. What are Ausar Thompson’s career highlights before joining the NBA?
Before entering the NBA, Ausar Thompson won two Overtime Elite (OTE) championships, earning Finals MVP honors both times. He was also named the OTE league MVP in 2023 and was a five-star recruit in high school, winning a state title at Pine Crest School.
3. How did Ausar Thompson make history with his twin brother in the NBA Draft?
Ausar and his twin brother Amen Thompson became the first brothers in NBA history to be selected in the top five of the same draft. Amen was picked fourth by the Houston Rockets, and Ausar was picked fifth by the Detroit Pistons in 2023.
4. What are Ausar Thompson’s notable NBA rookie season achievements?
In his NBA debut, Ausar Thompson became the youngest player to record at least five blocks in a debut game. During his rookie season, he played 63 games, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game.
5. What is Ausar Thompson’s background and family influence?
Ausar Thompson was born in San Leandro, California, and raised in a family deeply committed to basketball. His father, Troy, and mother, Maya, played significant roles in his development, even relocating the family to Florida to support Ausar and his brother’s basketball ambitions.
6. What positions does Ausar Thompson play and what are his physical attributes?
Ausar Thompson primarily plays as a shooting guard and small forward. He stands 6 feet 7 inches tall and weighs around 205 pounds, making him a versatile and athletic wing player.
7. What are Ausar Thompson’s strengths on the basketball court?
Ausar Thompson is recognized for his elite athleticism, defensive versatility, and ability to guard multiple positions. He is also an excellent passer, strong rebounder for his position, and a capable shot-blocker, making him valuable on both ends of the floor.
8. What were Ausar Thompson’s statistics during his time in Overtime Elite?
While playing for Team Elite and City Reapers in OTE, Ausar averaged 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 2.4 steals per game in his final season, leading his team to back-to-back championships and earning multiple MVP honors.
9. Why did Ausar Thompson skip college basketball?
Ausar Thompson chose to bypass his senior year of high school and college basketball to sign with Overtime Elite, a professional league for young prospects. This allowed him to focus on developing his game against elite competition and prepare for the NBA.
10. Has Ausar Thompson faced any challenges in his NBA career so far?
During his rookie season, Ausar Thompson was shut down in March 2024 due to a blood clot, which ended his season early. Despite this setback, he returned to play in the 2025 playoffs, demonstrating resilience and determination.