2023 NBA Mock Draft 6.0: Mavs’ $750K fine pays off
5. player. 29. . G // United States. San Antonio Spurs. Ausar Thompson
The Spurs are rumored to be higher than the consensus on the Thompson twins, so this outcome would suit them just fine. Ausar Thompson doesn’t quite ascend to his brother’s heights athletically, but he’s further along as a shooter and defender, which could lead to more immediate NBA success. He was MVP of the Overtime Elite league (for whatever that’s worth) and the young Spurs would be able to hand him a significant role right away.
San Antonio is still getting their rebuild off the ground, but Thompson would give them a strong foundation. With Devin Vassell and Keldon Johnson flanking him in the wings, along with Jeremy Sochan in the frontcourt, the Spurs would have a distinctly modern concoction of length and skill.
At 6-foot-7, Thompson may not be the same athlete as his brother, but he’s still a better athlete than 95 percent of NBA players. He elevates effortlessly around the rim, displaying the body control and touch needed to one day reach stardom. Thompson puts constant pressure on the rim and he can make every pass in the book. He’s an advanced defender for his age, to boot.
The primary concern with Thompson is the jumper. He’s further along than Amen, especially in terms of his comfort level taking 3s, but they don’t fall often enough. His rigid mechanics need work. Luckily, the Spurs have the best shooting development track record of any NBA team and plenty of time for patience.