NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Ausar Thompson rises, who falls?

5. Ausar Thompson

Last week's rank: 7

Ausar Thompson has had a few shaky weeks in a row, but after a few injuries to those around him, Thompson will jump back into the top five.

Thompson's start to his NBA career could be labeled as bumpy. One second, he is in the starting lineup and playing 25 minutes a game, and the next, he is riding the bench playing garbage time. Fans have pondered why this could be after he has played great all season long.

Despite this shaky start, Thompson has taken full advantage of his time on the court. On the season, he has averaged ten points per contest and eight rebounds, all while shooting 46 percent from the field.

Even though the Pistons have lost 26 straight games and are competing for an NBA record, Thompson has proven to be one of the team's bright spots. He has constantly led the charge and been one of the team's top defenders and hustlers.

For a rookie to become the team's standout defender is extremely rare. Thompson has not only been one of the top defenders of his draft class, but he has also improved an ugly three-point shot.

Thompson's three-point percentage was as low as 12 percent at one point in time. He has since shot 21 percent over his last 10 games. This isn't eye-popping numbers by any means, but it shows the young rookie is developing a shot.