The Detroit Pistons had one of the greatest two-season turnarounds in recent NBA history last year, increasing their win total by 30 wins from the previous campaign. Now as the Pistons gear up for a 2025-26 season where the Eastern Conference is positively wide open, they'll have one big X-factor that will play a big part in how far they will go: Ausar Thompson.
There are plenty of determining factors for what Detroit will end up achieving next season. One of which being Jalen Duren and his continued development. The young big man has already come a long way, but there's still more ground to be covered when it comes to Duren expanding his all-around offensive game.
Then as it pertains to Jaden Ivey, the Pistons' ceiling was obviously lowered last year following Ivey's unfortunate injury and departure from the floor for the final three months of the regular season plus the playoffs. How sharp he looks will also be a major storyline in Detroit's upcoming campaign.
But I'd argue what's going to be a bigger factor than the play of either of those guys is how much Ausar Thompson ends up progressing. I say that primarily because should he reach his potential, Thompson can ultimately reach a higher level than either of his aforementioned teammates.
Ausar Thompson's progression could swing the Pistons' season
It's been an interesting first couple of seasons in Ausar's professional career, and there has been plenty for Pistons fans to be excited about. The young wing has shown flashes of excellence, but it's clear he still has a ways to go when it comes to refining his skillset.
With that said, there's cleary a path for him to take a major step forward in the near future. Should that kind of leap take place in the upcoming season, it could prove monumental for Detroit and their hopes of making a deep playoff run.
We've already seen Ausar taking steps to improve this summer, with clips of him working out with his brother raising plenty of eyebrows among the Pistons' fanbase. And really, it wouldn't necessarily have to be a "jump" across the board for Thompson. If he were to just become a respectable three-point shooter over the summer, that alone could be the catalyst for a big change.
It's certainly exciting to think about the kind of potentially game-changing talent Detroit has in Ausar Thompson. Something is going to be unlocked there sooner or later. If it happens next season, Pistons fans could be in for a very fun year.