The key to the improvement of the Detroit Pistons lies in the versatility of Ausar Thompson

The Detroit Pistons are one of the most exciting stories in the NBA. With Cade Cunningham emerging as a top-tier point guard and the team already doubling last season's win total, there is a lot of optimism in the city. But no story has been as inspiring as the return of Ausar Thompson.

Selected fifth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, Thompson started to soar. In his seventh NBA game last season, he achieved a rare stat line of over 10 points, more than five rebounds, more than four assists, more than four steals, and more than four blocks, joining legends Ralph Sampson and Kevin Garnett in an exclusive club. His first eight games placed him in the elite alongside Michael Jordan as the only rookie to tally over 30 assists, over 12 steals, and over 15 blocks during that span. The sky seemed to be the limit for Thompson.

However, the grueling NBA season took its toll. As the year progressed, Thompson went from a starter to a bench player. His impact was still felt, but not at the same level as in the beginning. Just as he was adjusting to the ups and downs of his rookie campaign, a blood clot forced him to miss the last 19 games of the season. The diagnosis extended to this season, where he missed the first 18 games.

Now, Thompson is back on the court, and while his statistics may not jump off the page, his presence on both ends of the floor has been undeniable. His return has helped unlock the potential of the starting unit, providing the Pistons with the versatility and energy they were lacking. What sets Thompson apart? How has he elevated the Pistons since his return? Let's analyze.

Do not be fooled by his modest averages of 9.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. Thompson's real impact goes far beyond the numbers. For a clearer picture of his recent form, check out his numbers in the last five games. During that stretch, Thompson averaged 15.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.2 steals, showcasing the all-around ability that made him one of the top five picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.

Shooting remains a work in progress for Thompson. This season, he is only hitting 21.9% of his three-point attempts, although it is an improvement from the 18.6% he shot as a rookie. His aggressive playing style often leads him to the free-throw line, but the results have not been ideal. After shooting 59.7% from the charity stripe last season, he is now shooting only 59.5% this year. While those percentages are not desirable, his continued work will surely enhance those numbers.

Where Thompson's growth is most evident is in his efficiency inside. This season, he is shooting 55% from the field, a significant improvement from his 48.3% debut. His ability to attack the rim, finish in transition, and make smart decisions in half-court offense has become a crucial part of the Pistons' recent success. Thompson's relentless energy and versatility have made him indispensable in Detroit's rotation.

The Versatility of Ausar Thompson

Recently, Thompson has taken on the role of a forward, altering the Pistons' offensive game. In the 125-112 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers on February 7, Thompson assumed the point guard position in Cunningham's absence due to injury. Running the offense, Thompson displayed his trademark aggressiveness on both ends of the court while revealing an expanded set of playmaking skills.

This game showcased how Thompson initiating the offense can open up new dimensions for the Pistons. With him handling the ball more, Cunningham is freed up to focus on shot creation and scoring. Thompson's relentless interior attacks force defenses to collapse, creating opportunities beyond the arc for shooters like Tim Hardaway Jr. and Tobias Harris. Meanwhile, his court vision and unselfish play generate easy scoring chances at the rim for Jalen Duren.

By taking on these added responsibilities, Thompson is helping make the Pistons' offense more versatile and unpredictable. His ability to wear multiple hats – defender, facilitator, and scorer – has made him an essential piece of Detroit's evolving identity.

Ausar Thompson's journey has been anything but smooth. His growth and versatility are making him a key piece for the Pistons. Despite initial setbacks and shooting woes, he continues to expand his game. Thompson impacts both ends of the floor. Whether on defense, playmaking, or thriving as a guard, he always finds a way to contribute.

As the Pistons look towards a brighter future, Thompson's development will be crucial. He is willing to take on more responsibilities and adapt his game. This proves he is more than just a role player; he is a cornerstone. If he stays on this path, the Pistons will have found their Swiss army knife. Thompson can help them win in multiple ways. In Detroit, that is exactly what they need.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, La clave de la mejora de Detroit Pistons, basada en la polivalencia de Ausar Thompson