The Detroit Pistons' offseason has revolved around two very different contract negotiations, one with Ausar Thompson, which was resolved quickly, and one with Jalen Duren that has now lingered into media day.
Thompson's deal was somewhat of a risk for the Pistons, but any leap from him could also eventually make it look like a steal for Detroit.
Duren is on the other end of the spectrum regardless of how this turns out, which is going to make for very different seasons with different expectations for each player.
Ausar Thompson will get the benefit of the doubt
Because Thompson signed without all of the drama, he's going to be viewed more favorably by fans, who will give him far more room for error.
We aren't expecting miracles from Ausar offensively, especially when it comes to shooting, but any strides in creation and finishing around the rim will end any questions about his contract right away.
All players feel pressure, and I am sure Thompson puts plenty on himself, but he won't have the giant microscope on his game and any improvements will be immediately celebrated as a win for the Pistons.
It won't be the same for Jalen Duren.
Jalen Duren has set expectations he might not be able to meet
Duren's contract talks have been anything but smooth and still aren't resolved with training camp starting tomorrow. But until I hear otherwise, I am going to assume he signs at some point for a gigantic amount of money.
Fair or not, players are judged partially by their contracts in relation to what happens on the court, which is a necessary assessment when trying to build a competitive team under stricter tax penalties.
If Duren is making upwards of $40 million, he'll be expected to generate that level of production, and if that doesn't come, the scrutiny will be harsh.
He's going to have external pressure that largely won't be there for Thompson, as Duren will have signed for second option money and Ausar didn't. Duren has confidence in himself, but he's about to face a different level of scrutiny that wasn't there earlier in his career, especially when the playoffs roll around.
Both players are going to be tested in different ways next season, as Thompson will be expected to make offensive strides in line with his extension, and Duren will be under a ton of pressure to prove he was worth all of the money and hassle.
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