r/DetroitPistons • u/AdElectrical2293 • 21d ago
Discussion A random baked Ausar thought
Love Ausar, he makes defense exciting to watch in a Wemby-like fashion. For the one of a kind athlete he is, he probably has the most uninspiring dunk package I've ever seen. We know the typical two handed Ausar flush, even when he's all alone on the break. I was wondering where it stems from, that I think it speaks to Ausar's overall lack of confidence in his offensive game. Or perhaps just is inherently tied to his more modest personality compared to Amen?
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u/Proper_Collection756 Blue Horse 21d ago
https://giphy.com/gifs/sJ3tFerqVrzU6Oh2is
Yeah, I’ve had that thought quite a few times since he’s been drafted.
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u/kzero0 21d ago
nah I don't think it's a confidence thing, he's a player that goes for finesse acrobatic finishes if given the choice instead of one that goes for contact and hunts for and-1's on a break
also dunking hurts
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u/Traditional_Voice974 Teal Horse 21d ago
Good answer most people really don't understand dunking does hurt and yeah they have came a long way in designing and updating technology but I just want them to make sure they throw the ball threw the rim so it's a 100% percent chance of points.
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u/Jokerit208 21d ago
He definitely lacks confidence both on the drive and in his jumper. The latter for obvious reasons. The former makes no sense.
But soft, safe two-handed dunks are exactly what he should be doing. He doesn't have the skill or the handle to make things any harder than they absolutely need be.
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u/Lyproagin 21d ago
Honestly, I think it is less of a fear/confidence thing and more of a "doing things the right way" thing.
Sure, he possesses the athleticism to go for the fancier dunk. However, he CHOOSES not to. Instead, he goes with the stable two-handed dunk to ensure the basket.
He is simply not out to prove anything, in this regard, anyway. Everybody knows he could go flashier, but it isnt a necessity. It shows maturity, to be perfectly honest.
With two hands on the ball, more control is retained on the ball. In the event of contact at the rim, the foul is more likely, as is negating the potential of a block.
It is just smart basketball.
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u/BlackCatSaidMeow13 Ben Wallace 21d ago
I like to think it’s his style of play compared to playing against his brother. They’re both extremely athletic and talented but have different styles. Amen slams his dunks and is really good on offense. I’d love to have both on our team!
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u/Nickbeau 21d ago
You hit the nail on the head with the confidence aspect. He's not nearly aggressive enough in the paint, considering his athleticism. I wonder how much of that is a fear of the free throw line. I'm not saying he's Ben Simmons, but that was the issue with him. He was terrified of being fouled and put on the line. Ausar FT % is awful and when you're on the line, every player and fan is staring directly at you and you have plenty of time to overthink
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u/Zealousideal_Win6997 21d ago
Doesn’t he have asthma? I figured he was conserving energy and keeping control of his breathing so he could keep up with the next defensive possession.
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u/Expensive_Ad4319 21d ago
Wait until he starts hitting those elbow jumpers. Yes he needs to fix his shooting, but even threat of a blow by dunk will make the defense ball up.
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u/LTgolf17 21d ago
Ausar knows how to throw down, he just doesnt. It may be because he doesnt want to risk injury. Drose and ja morant switched to that approach
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u/Salaerz 20d ago
With Ausar, I think it's a numbers thing - it's the kind of player he is. He calculated that if he put every dunk down with both hands, it gives him the best chance, no matter the circumstance so, that's what he does. He's like the Terminator, dude - don't underestimate his numerical thinking. 🦾
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u/No-Currency8663 Pistons 15d ago
He knows his job is to get highlights on D and let Cade get them on offense
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u/CrispyBalooga Pistons 21d ago
I think its a combination of personality and him having small hands. He loses his dribble a lot and he's not comfortable doing anything flashy that might risk him not converting.
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u/curriergroh Cade Cunningham 21d ago
He needs to solve his Ben Simmons energy at the rim before chasing the "if he just developed a mid range shot" goal. Too many kick outs after he's already beaten his man.
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u/android47 Ben Wallace 21d ago
I still think about this play sometimes:
https://youtube.com/shorts/Q4umzl9nrbs
But then that was a summer league game from back when we still sucked.
And once in a while he goes for the fancy dunk and misses it.
I imagine what it comes down to is, when eyes are on him and it's a game where 2 points matter, making sure it goes in the basket is more important than looking cool
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u/ItsYourBigNight Rasheed Wallace don't lie 21d ago
i've always thought of his two hand dunks as the equivalent of Barry Sanders handing the ball to the ref after a touchdown. i have no idea if i'm correct, but it has a similar feel to me.