The Detroit Pistons may not have added a star this summer, but the players they did add should open up new dimensions for Ausar Thompson.
Detroit clearly prioritized 3-point shooting above all else this summer, an attribute they hope will have a ripple effect on other parts of the offense, specifically their ball handling and creation.
Having a second elite shooter in Isaiah Joe will change some of JB Bickerstaff’s bench sets and could open up a new role for Ausar Thompson.
Ausar Thompson leading the bench offense with more space
For Thompson to reach his full potential, he has to become more of a creator and attacker with the ball in his hands to make up for his lack of shot, though the standard gym videos have emerged of Thompson’s new middy looking pretty clean.
Last season, Thompson didn’t play many minutes with the bench and for good reason, as there was no shooting and it’s nearly impossible to play him and Ron Holland II at the same time.
That won’t be the case next season, when Isaiah Joe will give the Pistons an elite 3-point shooting option off the bench that will prevent defenses from helping aggressively and with impunity as they did all last season.
Thompson should be one of the beneficiaries in stretches, as he can play on or off the ball flanked with shooters, which should allow him to run the bench unit for a few minutes per game when Cade Cunningham is not on the floor.
The Pistons will be looking to do more than survive those 14-15 minutes per game that Cade is not in, which was a problem last season.
The Pistons will also be looking for more creation from players other than Cade, and Thompson is almost certainly a guy they have pegged for a bigger role.
Joe will make that easier, as coach Bickerstaff can run lineups with Thompson, Joe and another shooter that would allow more space for Thompson to operate as a creator, which is something he’s shown he can do.
If defenses have to guard to the edges, Thompson can attack the middle and he’s a handful once he gets into the lane.
We’ve talked a lot about how the additions of shooters like Joe, John Collins and Taurean Prince will help Cade Cunningham, but the space they create will be even more beneficial to guys like Thompson, who has difficulties dribbling in traffic.
Last season the Pistons were one of the easiest teams in the NBA to defend, as you just had to pack the paint and dare them to shoot, but increased 3-point shooting should open up the floor and make it easier for Thompson to thrive as a creator.
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