The Detroit Pistons are getting one of their most promising young players back after an extended absence.
Ausar Thompson has been cleared to return by the NBA's fitness panel after dealing with a blood clot issue, ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday.
Thompson, who the Pistons selected fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been out since March with the issue. According to Charania, he will begin ramping up to return to play and participate in full-contact practices for the first time in eight months.
There was no set timeline for when he'll be able to return to NBA action.
The 21-year-old had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.9 assists. He was especially productive on the defensive end, averaging 2.0 steals/blocks over 63 games last year.
Detroit is currently 4-7 under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff and sits 10th in the Eastern Conference.
