Ausar Thompson struggled to find his role in the Pistons playoff offense, but the Knicks' Josh Hart is showing him the perfect blueprint. Despite also being a poor outside shooter, Hart is helping the Knicks offense with incredible offensive rebounding and quick decision-making. The Pistons need Thompson to follow in Hart's footsteps and be more decisive with the ball, which will go a long way towards solving their secondary shot creation problem.
Ausar Thompson can replicate Josh Hart's game
Too often, Pistons fans assume that the only way to fix their team's offense is to add more shooting in the lineup. Sure, that would often help open up lanes for slashers and make points easier to come by. But there are also other solutions that can be implemented even with the current roster.
Josh Hart is proof that even a Finals team can survive with a non-shooter on the wing if he executes his role well. In his current playoff run, Hart is shooting just 28% from three - including 3-of-15 in his last 4 games - but finds ways to make an offensive impact. Outside of shooting, Hart uses his versatile offensive skillset well to support his teammates.
Whether it's grabbing an offensive rebounding, pushing the pace in transition, or finding teammates for open looks, Hart has thrived as a Swiss army knife for the Knicks. Ausar Thompson has the physical tools to grab the same rebounds as Hart and attack the rim in the same way. If Thompson plays with the same aggression and mentality as Hart, he could be much more impactful for the Pistons on offense - even without any additional spacing.
The Pistons can also put Ausar in a better position
It's important to note that Hart is the only non-shooter in New York's starting lineup. Having a lethal three-point threat in Karl-Anthony Towns playing center helps Hart work inside the arc. The Pistons lack this luxury, along with the Knicks' plethora of attacking threats elsewhere.
Putting more shooting on the court would definitely help Thompson fit into a better offensive role for the Pistons. He should be working on shot as well this summer, but a leap as a ball-handler and driver would be even more impactful. Those improvements will be easier to display on the court if his teammates are able to provide adequate spacing.
But regardless of how the lineup around him looks next season, Ausar Thompson will be best served by moving his offensive game closer to Josh Hart. Hart's relentless drives and rebounds have been felt throughout the playoffs whereas Thompson himself often pulled up short or picked up his dribble before he could do real damage.
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