Ausar Thompson of Pistons given green light to restart basketball activities

Thompson's promising rookie season was cut short in 2023-24 due to a debilitating blood clot. Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon revealed during training camp that Thompson was diligently navigating the NBA's medical protocols in order to return to the court.

The No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 Draft, Thompson will begin a return to play ramp-up period, the team announced.

Last season, Thompson averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists in 63 games. Detroit is in the midst of another rebuilding plan and ranks No. 10 in the Eastern Conference at 4-7. Once back in the lineup, Thompson would join a frontline that includes veterans Tobias Harris, Isaiah Stewart, Simone Fontecchio and Malik Beasley.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.