NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Chet Holmgren falls, new name enters top five

5. Ausar Thompson

Last week's rank: 4

Ausar Thompson will unfortunately drop once again in this week's Rookie Power Ranking list.

Detroit has had an extremely disappointing season. They are currently on an active 18-game losing streak and don't look to have any easy wins in the near future. Despite this historically bad start, Ausar Thompson has looked amazing to begin his rookie season.

The former No. 5 overall pick has become a defensive monster. Thompson has all the intangibles to become one of the league's most lethal defenders, and he has done exactly this. Using his insane wingspan and athleticism, Thompson can stay foot-to-foot with the fastest players in the NBA.

However, Thompson hasn't looked like himself over the last few games. The defensive anchor fans have all become accustomed to has disappeared. Thompson has found himself in early foul trouble in almost every competition over the last week. This could be the rookie effect when it comes to foul calls, but it's clear things need to change for Thompson.

Thompson has not only looked static on the defensive end recently but also on offense. Thompson has always struggled shooting the ball throughout his young career, but his one bright spot was facilitating the ball. Recently, Thompson has struggled to even get the ball when he is on offense.

There is still plenty of time for Thompson to get out of this slump, but his name could quickly fall lower if he continues to play this badly.