NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Ausar Thompson drops, who will take his spot?

4. Ausar Thompson

Last week's rank: 3

Due to Ausar Thompson's inefficient shooting, he will drop one spot.

The high school standout has absolutely dominated on the defensive end. He has not only looked like this rookie class's best defensive player but one of the best defensive players in the NBA. Thompson uses his insane wingspan to constantly pester offensive players and poke the ball free on drives.

He has also used his length and athleticism to constantly turn down shots on bigger players. Standing at just 6-foot-6, Thompson has found a way to block one and a half shots per game and also snag a steal per game in the process.

Thompson has also found an elite ability to rebound. He isn't averaging a double-double anymore, but he has still found a way to grab nine rebounds per contest.

Thompson's struggles have come on the offensive end. He is still averaging 12 points per game, which largely comes from inside the paint, but he must find an outside shot to be elite in the NBA. Especially in today's shooting era of basketball, Thompson needs to at least become respectable from behind the arc.

If Thompson can develop a shot in the Pistons system, then he could rise on this list as he has done in the past.

The Mavericks won't see the Pistons until early March. But between then, Thompson should develop a respectable jumper.