The dream starting five for the Detroit Pistons five years from now
The dream starting five for the Detroit Pistons five years from now
Small forward: Ausar Thompson
Age in 2028: 25
I’ve seen enough of Ausar Thompson to think he could be one of the best defensive wings in the NBA in five seasons.
At the very least, he’ll be a guy like Herb Jones, who doesn’t provide a ton of offense, but can lock down the other team’s best player.
Related Story. Which Detroit Pistons can save Team USA in the Olympics?. light
At best, he’ll be more like Kawhi Leonard, a two-way wing who can facilitate, score and be the best defensive player on the floor. Thompson will probably end up somewhere in between, as he is a good playmaker with a questionable shot.
I like Thompson to be the Detroit Pistons’ perimeter anchor on defense, and his ability to keep players in front of him should directly benefit the Detroit frontcourt.
The Pistons felt unlucky about falling to 5th in the 2023 NBA Draft until they got a shot at Thompson, who should be their wing of the future.