Which NBA star is about to have a breakout season?

There are many opportunities for plenty of people, but Zach Lowe has his sights set on one in particular.

Speaking on his podcast, Lowe gave a special shout-out to Ausar Thompson of the Detroit Pistons.

“My single most intriguing player is Ausar Thompson … My number one reason for Detroit optimism [this season] is I just think Ausar Thompson has a chance to be really, really good. And really good, sooner than people think,” Lowe said, via Pistons Jack on X.

“My single most intriguing player is Ausar Thompson … My number one reason for Detroit optimism [this season] is I just think Ausar Thompson has a chance to be really, really good. And really good, sooner than people think.”

Zach Lowe on Ausar… this got me hyped for next… pic.twitter.com/5EZJFom3QL

— Pistons Jack (@pistons_jack) July 29, 2025

Thompson might get better, but he’s already been “really good” during his first two seasons in the league.

In his rookie year, he averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

In his second year, Thompson put up 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists on 53.5 percent from the field.

Thompson has been developing into one of the most promising young players in the NBA, known for his offensive output but also his crucial and dogged defensive power, too.

It’s no surprise that things have been turning around in Detroit.

Just a couple of seasons ago, they were the laughingstock of the league, but last year they looked a lot better and actually made it to the playoffs for the first time in ages.

Thompson isn’t the only star on the rise in Detroit, and the team is packed with potential future All-Stars.

But along with Cade Cunningham, Thompson might be the most talked-about Pistons star in 2025-26.

Lowe is paying close attention to him, but he’s not the only one.

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