The Pistons thrived last season when they were able to create quick offense after good defensive possessions resulting in a turnover or miss. It was an advantage that helped offset some of their stagnant halfcourt offense, and something they hope to carry into this season. The fastbreak advantage was even more pronounced once Ausar Thompson rejoined the lineup in full health, and he thinks it’ll get to yet another level with Jaden Ivey returning this season.
The fastbreak is the Pistons’ best weapon
Last season, the Pistons ranked 5th in the NBA in transition frequency; 23.1 percent of their possessions were classified as transition opportunities. Even though the Pistons did not rank towards the top of the league in transition efficiency, their sheer volume still helped their overall offense because transition was such a better weapon than half-court offense.
The Pistons have a few ways to continue and expand their transition attack this season. The most obvious comes from being even better on defense, especially forcing turnovers. Last season, Detroit was just 19th in the league in steals per game. With rangier defenders in the lineup this year, especially the rise of Ausar Thompson and Ron Holland II as a defensive tandem, the Pistons hope to force more turnovers.
Another potential fastbreak improvement is the simple return of Jaden Ivey. Ivey has been known for his outlandish speed, both with and without the ball, since his college days. And Ausar Thompson said that he considers both Ivey and himself to be among “the fastest people I know”, which can create some fastbreak magic when the two share the court.
Feeding this fastbreak attack will be outlet passes, especially from Cade Cunningham. Cade has thrown some incredible long-distance dimes in the past, and may take more of those chances if the opportunities present themselves. With Ivey and Thompson running the break, it’s a skill that will certainly come in handy.
Relying on the fastbreak attack has traditionally been considered a regular season gimmick which dies in the playoffs as the game slows down. However, the Indiana Pacers showed that a potent fastbreak can pay dividends deep into the playoffs when a team commits to the cause. This involves buy-in on both ends - the whole unit needs to work hard on defense and fill in the right lanes on offense.
Ausar Thompson and Jaden Ivey may be some of the leaders in fastbreak scoring for the Pistons, but more success there is really indicative of a collaborative effort. Fortunately, the Pistons should have the right group of players and coaches to make this improvement a reality.