Pistons' Ausar Thompson Says He's the 'Best Perimeter Defender' in NBA, Eyes DPOY

Though he's only in his second season in the NBA, Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson has plenty of confidence in his defensive abilities.

In an interview with For the Win's Bryan Kalbrosky, Thompson said that while he still has work to do, he thinks he's already the best perimeter defender in the league. He added that he wants to win the most coveted award given to defensive players.

"I think I’m the best perimeter defender in the league. That’s what I believe," Thompson said. "I don’t think I’m a near and finished product, though. I think I can get over screens better. I think I can be locked in at all times better. I want to be NBA Defensive Player of the Year. But it’s so hard with [Victor Wembanyama] because he is going to get four blocks every game. It’s something that I think is possible, though."

Thompson has displayed tremendous defensive abilities early in his career, averaging 1.1 steals per game as a rookie and 1.6 steals per game this season.

Thompson has some competition for the NBA's best perimeter defender as long as players like Jalen Williams, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jrue Holiday and more are in the league, but as he continues to develop, Thompson could become one of the best in the game.

As far as winning Defensive Player of the Year, Thompson made a fair point in that it might be hard for anyone to rival San Antonio Spurs star Victor Wembanyama in the coming years.

Wembanyama is averaging 3.8 blocks and 1.1 steals per game this season and will likely win his first of many DPOYs this year. Wembanyama will likely be in the running for the award every year, but Thompson could eventually get his name into the conversation as well.