NBA Rookie Power Rankings: Wembanyama drops, who takes the No. 1 spot?

3. Ausar Thompson

Last Week's Rank: 2

Thompson has continued to shock many with his all-around basketball ability. At the start of the season, Thompson's name would never have thought to be mentioned in the Rookie of the Year conversations, but a month into the season, it would be criminal if he wasn't in the top three.

Over his last ten outings, Thompson has amassed 12 points per game and an additional 10 rebounds per contest. His double-double average is unique due to his position, but Thompson has continued to dominate around the perimeter.

Defensively, the Overtime Elite standout has been a lock. He has proved to not only be a capable defender for the Pistons but has also looked like one of the best defenders in the league during the process.

The season is still young, but Thompson's name could soon surface in some Defensive Player of the Year conversations. He may not win it this season, but it's been clear that he will soon be a yearly candidate for the award.

Offensively, the young rookie has had his ups and downs but has proved to be a net positive for others around him. His playmaking ability, in tandem with his ability to push the ball in transition, has proved costly for opposing defenses.

Thompson's shooting is still a work in progress, but the process has looked clean over the last week. His numbers aren't eye-popping, but Pistons fans understand that it's just a matter of time before his numbers rise.

It's still important that Thompson continues to improve offensively, but fans have already sniffed the potential for a future star in the making.