Pistons news: Rookie comeback, Ausar’s disruption and the coaching tree

The Detroit Pistons got their second win of the Summer League last night, coming back in the second half behind rookie Ausar Thompson.

After going up eight in the first quarter, the Pistons got eviscerated by 20 points in the second, but eventually started to chisel away. It really all started with Thompson’s effort and defense, as he had a play late in the first half that set the tone for what we saw in the second. Thompson battled for two offensive rebounds before eventually getting up a make with a foul to end the half, simply outworking and out-hustling two Raptors’ defenders.

Detroit kept fighting and had some key steals late in the game, one by Thompson and one by fellow rookie Marcus Sasser, which gave the Pistons the lead and then eventually sealed the game.

Even though it’s just Summer League, it was nice to see the two rookies out there competing on the defensive end to lead the comeback.

Detroit Pistons: Ausar Thompson’s disruption

Thompson played a great game overall, often acting as the point forward and initiating the offense. He was sloppy at times, as you would expect but finished with a fairly efficient 17 points on the night.

But where he really stood out was on defense, where he was a one-man wrecking crew all night. He was in passing lanes, disrupting plays by going over screens, and if you throw a lazy pass, he’s going to get his hands on it.

This play pretty much epitomizes his night, as he fought over the screen, used his length to get his hands on the ball, just ripped it from Dick (has there every been a human in history that looked MORE like a Gradey Dick?) and then started the break going the other way, eventually finishing with a reverse alley-oop.

He ended the night with four steals and two blocks and disrupted pretty much everything the Raptors tried on the perimeter, especially in the second half.

Thompson’s quickness, instincts and effort on defense are something to behold and I don’t think it will be long until he is a fan favorite. It was a breakout night for Ausar, who is already looking like a steal with the 5th pick and may be the best defender the Pistons have had on the wing since Tayshaun Prince.

The Detroit Pistons’ coaching tree

It’s not just the players that are getting reps in Summer League. Assistant coach Jarrett Jack has taken over the head coaching duties and was featured during the broadcast at times communicating with his young team.

The 39-year-old has been under Monty Williams for his entire coaching career, but it won’t be long until he has a team of his own, as he is respected around the league and was a veteran “coach” while he was still a player. Here’s what former teammate Draymond Green had to say about Jack:

The Detroit Pistons have put together one of the premier coaching staffs in the NBA, which should help them to make that next step into playing competitive basketball. But don’t be surprised when Jack gets interest from other teams next season as a head coaching candidate, especially if the Pistons break out next season.