The NBA’s fitness panel has cleared Detroit Pistons swingman Ausar Thompson to play, ESPN reported Monday.
Thompson, the No. 5 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, has been sidelined since March with a blood clot issue.
The 21-year-old Thompson can now begin participating in full-contact practices and preparing to make his return.
He averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 25.1 minutes in 63 games (38 starts) during the 2023-24 campaign.
Thompson was one of three rookies with at least 50 steals and 50 blocks (Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren).