"Pistons anticipate the comeback of F Ausar Thompson (thrombosis)"

Ausar Thompson's first year with the Detroit Pistons was cut short due to a blood clot. Currently, he and the team are awaiting clearance for him to return for his second season.

Trajan Langdon, the Pistons' vice president of basketball operations, stated on Monday that Thompson still needs approval to play.

"He is currently undergoing a medical evaluation with the league and the players association," Langdon said during the Pistons' media day. "We are fully supporting him and eagerly anticipating his return. At this time, we cannot provide any further updates as we are waiting for a resolution from the NBA and the PA."

Thompson was chosen as the fifth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, with the Pistons relying on him to contribute to their rebuilding efforts. However, he only played in 63 games (38 of which he started) before being sidelined after the first half of a game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 9.

Despite his setback, the 21-year-old Thompson says he is feeling well.

"Since the incident, I have been consistently working out and gradually increasing the intensity of my workouts," Thompson said. "Currently, I feel great and have no issues."

According to Langdon, Thompson is doing everything he can to stay in shape.

"He has been putting in hard work every day, and this process has been ongoing for about a week," Langdon said. "He is allowed to do conditioning and strength training, as well as non-contact drills. However, that is the extent of what he can do at this time."

During his rookie season, Thompson averaged 8.8 points and 6.4 rebounds.

The Pistons started off last season with a record of 2-1 before losing a franchise-record 28 consecutive games and finishing with a record of 14-68. They will begin the new season on October 23 against the Indiana Pacers at home.