The Pistons have all eyes set on the playoffs and potential matchups going into the last 20 games of the regular season. Their defense has been consistently dominant all year long and leaves no questions for the postseason but offensively the Pistons still have some things to figure out. And the biggest swing factor will be Ausar Thompson.
Thompson has undeniably been a huge catalyst for the formidable Detroit defense. When he’s on the court he’s a wrecking ball who can force turnovers or lock down star players in isolation. However, his offensive growth has seemingly stagnated and left questions about his playing time.
Ausar Thompson needs to do more offensively
The Pistons hoped Thompson would show more growth as a secondary ballhandler or aggressive slasher this season. However, that hope hasn’t materialized and it’s evident in the stats. Last season, Thompson averaged 10.1 points and 2.3 assists per game. This season, the numbers are practically identical at 10.3 points and 2.9 assists per game.
Ausar’s offensive growth will have major financial implications for himself and the Pistons very soon. But even more immediately, it could make a huge impact on the Pistons’ playoff rotation. If Thompson’s offensive weaknesses make it too difficult to score points, the Pistons may be forced to take one of their best defenders off the floor.
That’s a very big deal in an Eastern Conference where many of the top contenders rely on a singular offensive force that Ausar can shut down. Jaylen Brown in Boston, Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland, Jalen Brunson in New York - these guys have carried their team’s offenses this season and Ausar can limit them. But that doesn’t matter if he can’t do enough on the offensive end.
There’s still a chance for an Ausar resurgence
Fortunately, the Pistons do have a glimmer of hope going back to last year’s playoffs. In the series against the Knicks, Ausar increased his aggression attacking the rim and it made him an impactful offensive player despite his limitations.
The counting stats weren’t the most impressive - 11.5 points and 1.0 assists per game. But the most important stat was his free throw attempts, which spiked to 6 per game. For comparison, he averages just about 3 per game this regular season. He used his athleticism to dominate the Knicks and gave them no choice but to foul him.
Ausar Thompson will need to find a way to have a similar or better offensive impact this postseason. It’ll make all the difference in his playing time and how much of a defensive impact he can make as well. And if the Pistons hope to achieve their ambitions, they’ll need him on the court as much as possible.