Pistons' Ausar Thompson Cleared to Return

Ausar Thompson, a promising young player for the Detroit Pistons and the No. 5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been cleared by the NBA's Fitness to Play panel after being sidelined since March due to a blood clot issue. This clearance allows him to resume full-contact basketball activities, marking the end of an eight-month hiatus. Thompson had his rookie season cut short after 63 games, where he averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. The Pistons are currently in a rebuilding phase, and with Thompson's return, they hope to improve their standing in the Eastern Conference. His return is expected to significantly bolster the team's defense, which has already seen improvements this season. Thompson's upcoming return will require careful management to ensure his conditioning and readiness for gameplay.