The Pistons' massive Game 7 loss exposed many huge problems, and arguably none is bigger than their lack of spacing. Detroit has some different avenues for fixing this issue, but the most straightforward will rely on Ausar Thompson developing a corner three-point shot. The Pistons need him on the court for their best defensive lineups, but his lack of an outside shot has made him an offensive liability.
Ausar Thompson's offseason focus should be clear
At times in the playoffs, Thompson flashed a surprisingly smooth jumper. He even hit one of Detroit's rare threes in Game 7, a corner shot to beat the shot clock buzzer just before halftime. But those flashes didn't come often enough, and Thompson's offensive limitations led to too much pressure on other scorers.
With his limited skillset bound to one end of the court, Thompson is making rotation decisions much harder for coach JB Bickerstaff. Since Thompson is practically a zero on offense, Bickerstaff is forced to roll him out with better offensive players in the playoffs. Unfortunately, that cuts into the Pistons' defensive advantages which are most heightened by fully defensive lineups.
There are other ways for Thompson to reach another level offensively, but a jumpshot is the most surefire thing. He can, and should, also increase his overall scoring aggression. He has otherwordly athleticism that frequently stands out on defense; if he can apply those same traits when attacking the rim, he should have some easy finishes.
The Pistons look a lot better if Ausar can shoot
If Thompson develops into a servicable threat from the corner, Detroit's offense will have much better spacing. No longer will teams be able to sell out on Cade Cunningham drives or pick-and-rolls while leaving Thompson open from the corner. Even the big men on the team will feel relief that the paint is less clogged if Thompson develops his jumpshot.
The Pistons have known the potential impact of a theoretical Thompson jumper for a long time. They've been developing him in the shooting category since he was drafted, and his shot has clearly looked much better this postseason when displayed than in prior years. But he clearly hasn't gotten the reps yet to launch it confidently when defenses dare him to shoot.
Until he develops that, Thompson will always put the Pistons offense at a structural disadvantage. It's hard to thrive as a modern offense with even a center or power forward that can't shoot when needed. Having that same liability from your small forward puts the whole gameplan on thin ice if opposing defenses exploit that weakness. If Ausar Thompson wants to develop his game further, the corner three needs to be the first thing coming.
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