Detroit Pistons: These 3 additions will make the biggest impact
Ausar Thompson will boost the Detroit Pistons’ defense
The Detroit Pistons have been looking for a small forward for what seems like forever, a drought that extends all the way back to Tayshaun Prince. Seriously, look at this list. It’s like the Pistons were trying not to find someone good to fill what has arguably become the NBA’s most important position.
They hope that drought is finally over after drafting Ausar Thompson 5th in the 2023 NBA Draft. Thompson is already a disruptive defender with great instincts and hands who should immediately make an impact on that end.
Related Story. Where would Ausar Thompson have been picked in previous drafts?. light
The Pistons were 27th in defensive efficiency last season and it started on the perimeter, where Bojan Bogdanovic and Saddiq Bey were two of the worst wing defenders in the league, and rookie Jaden Ivey was often caught standing flat footed and out of position as guards blew right by.
Thompson will immediately take some of the pressure off Bogdanovic to defend the other team’s wing, and his ability to defend all over the court should be a boost to the guards as well as the bigs who will benefit from his weakside shot blocking.
Having an elite defender can patch a lot of holes and that’s exactly what the Detroit Pistons hope will happen with Thompson.