The Detroit Pistons have some offensive gaps to fill after the way last season ended. They flamed out in the second round of the playoffs, largely because they were unable to keep up on the offensive end. Cade Cunningham needs help. And one of the guys he should be looking to is Ausar Thompson, especially from a playmaking perspective.
Thompson isn’t a good three-point shooter. That part of his game may never improve enough to be a viable threat at the NBA level. But that doesn’t mean he can’t make an impact on offense. Thompson is a good ball-handler, but he needs to become better. Because if he can run point guard more in Detroit’s system, that would take a huge weight off Cunningham’s shoulders.
So, rather than hoping Thompson can improve as a shooter, Cunningham and the Pistons should be rooting for his development as a playmaker.
Cade Cunningham needs Ausar Thompson to improve as a playmaker
Thompson is about to enter his fourth season in the NBA – a contract year, in fact. He’s been a crucial part of the Pistons’ rotation since the jump, but he’s still yet to crack the 30-minutes-per-game mark.
A large reason for that is his lack of an offensive game. Thompson is one of the best defenders in the NBA, but he’s lacking a consistent offensive skill set that would allow JB Bickerstaff to keep him on the floor more often.
Both he and his brother, Amen Thompson, who is on the Houston Rockets, entered the draft as freak athletes with questionable jump shots. But their ball-handling was there.
That’s where Thompson needs to prove himself. His brother has been a steady ball-handler for the Rockets. If he can do that for the Pistons, it could completely transform his offensive game.
Cunningham is going to be the lead guy for the Pistons. The ball is going to be in his hands more than anyone else’s by a long shot. But he still needs significant help in the creation department.
Thompson may not be the best at creating for himself, but the Pistons should try to put him in more spots to create for others. Put the ball in Thompson’s hands, let him get downhill, and set up his teammates.
If he can become a reliable playmaker – someone who can run the Pistons’ offense at times – it would be huge for Cunningham, as he wouldn’t have to do everything by himself.
Improving his playmaking should be a top priority for Thompson heading into next season.
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