Ausar Thompson shows early signs of progress in new Pistons role

Detroit Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff plans to expand Ausar Thompson’s offensive role. He also stated that he knows the key to Thompson excelling with the ball in his hands is actually receiving the chance to do so, despite the inevitable learning curve.

Thompson began to deliver during the regular season opener with aggressive drives, tough finishes, strong passing instincts, and a massive clutch jumper. Despite his flaws, it was a promising step forward.

Yes, the Pistons need Thompson to offer a bit more if they’re going to sustain their growth as an offensive team. In the simplest of terms: One of the hardest parts of fitting Thompson’s strengths into the offensive game plan is accounting for his weaknesses.

For instance, he’s a borderline unwilling three-point shooter who teams have learned they can leave open without the fear of him attempting a jumper. In fact, he often just resets the offense.

That was reflected in how the Boston Celtics defended Thompson in the 2026-27 opener. When Cade Cunningham passed out of a second quarter double team and found a wide-open Thompson, for instance, the young wing didn’t even look at the rim. The Celtics saw it coming, reset their entire defensive formation, and walked ever so confidently back to pick him up—not even fearing the drive.

It was the epitome of how opposing teams will play Thompson in a postseason setting until he proves more dangerous both on and away from the ball. Thankfully, he's showing signs of progress.

Ausar Thompson made winning plays as a scorer vs. Celtics

Thompson finished the 2026-27 regular season opener with 11 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three offensive boards. He did so while shooting 4-of-8 from the field and a perfect 3-of-3 at the free throw line. He even attempted a three—progress after he put up 24 treys in 73 games in 2025-26.

There was no play more significant than when Thompson buried a jumper late in the fourth quarter that effectively sank the Celtics' bid to complete a comeback to counter the Pistons'.

Perhaps it's not a DeMar DeRozan level of midrange mastery or a Stephen Curry style of three-point shooting, but Thompson finding something that works for him is a win. He was hitting midrange and short-range jumpshots during the preseason and has now come up with one in a clutch spot in the regular season.

If that trend continues, then Thompson's evolution on the offensive end of the floor should make the Pistons an even stronger team.

It's also worth noting that Thompson's five assists marked a clear step forward as a playmaker. He reached that figure in just 17 of his 73 appearances in 2025-26. Though his average of 4.3 assists per 36 minutes noted a sign of progress, Bickerstaff has made it clear that Thompson will take on a heavier workload as a playmaker—and Game 1 of 82 in 2026-27 displayed how that might manifest.

Between his jump shot, playmaking, and improved free throw shooting, Thompson made it perfectly clear that he's willing to put the work in to thrive in his new role.

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