{"id":830412,"date":"2026-09-08T01:54:20","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T01:54:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/830412\/"},"modified":"2026-09-08T01:54:20","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T01:54:20","slug":"ausar-thompsons-defining-race-with-brother-amen-has-officially-kicked-off","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nba\/830412\/","title":{"rendered":"Ausar Thompson’s defining race with brother Amen has officially kicked off"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Pistons are under pressure to extend Ausar Thompson soon after his twin brother Amen received a massive deal<\/a> from the Rockets. But the front office isn\u2019t the only one up against the clock; both twins are also now competing to see who can develop a jump shot first.<\/p>\n

For the past two seasons, Ausar has been working with Pistons assistant coach Fred Vinson, a renowned shooting specialist, to improve his shot. Houston has now given Amen a similar resource in Chip Engelland, who joined the Rockets staff this summer. Both brothers are racing against the clock to establish their jumpers and take an offensive leap.<\/p>\n

Ausar and Amen have the same goal<\/p>\n

At this point, everyone in the NBA knows how special both brothers are even without a jump shot. Amen has arguably shown more in his all-around game<\/a> so far, but Ausar\u2019s defensive dominance also turned many heads last season. Their ridiculous athleticism and great feel already gives them plenty of tools to make their impact felt.<\/p>\n

However, a reliable jump shot for either twin could completely revolutionize their team\u2019s offense. Both Thompsons play in crowded spacing that requires more creative sets<\/a> from their coaches. As perimeter non-shooters, they\u2019re not currently helping the cause.<\/p>\n

It doesn\u2019t help that both guys also play with relative non-shooting centers that have a big offensive role. Neither Jalen Duren nor Alperen Sengun are exactly feared for their 3-point prowess. That leaves more responsibility on Ausar and Amen to get their outside shots to a respectable level, at least enough to keep defenses honest.<\/p>\n

A Thompson jumper can shake up the NBA<\/p>\n

If either twin gets to league-average shooting for a small forward, their teams could immediately become proper title contenders. The Pistons obviously have a great foundation with their elite defense and All-NBA guard Cade Cunningham, but need a little more spacing to remain effective in the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Ausar knocking down his fair share of corner threes could be the simple solution for all the Pistons\u2019 playoff woes. If defenses care enough to guard him at the 3-point line, the pick and roll with Cade and Duren also gets a lot more room to operate. And Ausar himself can also leverage the threat of a jumper to attack the rim more efficiently.<\/p>\n

In Houston, Amen\u2019s theoretical jumper could elevate him to an All-NBA level too. He\u2019s shown promise as a defender, slasher and even playmaker but the lack of shooting has held him back. A consistent jumpshot should make every aspect of offense easier for both him and his teammates.<\/p>\n

Like the Pistons, the Rockets also have a strong defense and their own All-NBA contributor – Kevin Durant in Houston\u2019s case. With an Amen shooting leap and good health, they might already have enough to contend with the Spurs and Thunder in the West.<\/p>\n

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