Pistons' Ausar Thompson named All-Defensive First Team: 'He is a game-changer'
Pistons' Ausar Thompson production on defense has led to the third-year forward earning All-Defensive First Team honors for the 2025-26 season.
Detroit — Ausar Thompson's defensive production has led to what could be considered the greatest individual accomplishment of his three-year career. The NBA announced on Friday that the Detroit Pistons' forward was named one of five players to be voted to the league's All-Defensive First Team for the 2025-26 season. Thompson is joined on the first team alongside Rudy Gobert (Minnesota Timberwolves), Chet Holmgren (Oklahoma City Thunder), Victor Wembanyama (San Antonio Spurs) and Derrick White (Boston Celtics).
Wembanyama won his first career Defensive Player of the Year award for the season. He finished first ahead of Holmgren and Thompson, who finished second and third, respectively. Thompson's career season earned him Defensive Player of the Month honors in January and March.
In 73 games, Thompson led the league in steals, averaging 2. 0 per game. He also ranked second in total steals with 146.
Thompson also recorded a total of 69 blocks amid an average of 1. 0 per game. "His reflexes and anticipation skills are great, especially for somebody whose size matches their athletic ability," Tobias Harris said in March.