Best and worst-case scenario for every Pistons player

Ausar Thompson 

Best-case scenario: Thompson makes a meaningful leap as a shooter under the tutelage of Fred Vinson, hitting 33+ percent from 3-point range on three or more attempts per game. He excels as a screener in the short roll, becoming a weapon with Cunningham that the Pistons surround with shooters. He plays everywhere defensively, allowing the Pistons to create mismatches playing small ball. He morphs into the team’s second-best creator and plays some at point guard. He makes an All-Defensive team and looks like a future All-Star. 

Worst-case scenario: Thompson comes out hesitant and reluctant to shoot, which affects other parts of his game. He’s inefficient as a shooter and turns the ball over too much to run the offense and he sees his minutes start to dwindle. He loses his starting spot and looks more like a defensive role player than a top-5 pick. 

Isaiah Stewart 

Best-case scenario: Stewart becomes a true stretch-five and is so good there that the Pistons have to consider him for the starting lineup. He is the anchor on defense, blocks more than a shot per game and knocks down 40 percent of his 3-point shots. He basically morphs into Naz Reid and is in the running for 6th Man of the Year. He stays healthy all season and plays upwards of 75 games. 

Worst-case scenario: Stewart continues to battle injuries that keep him out of the lineup consistently. He doesn’t improve with the ball his hands, and even though he’s hitting some 3-point shots, teams still don’t bother guarding him. He loses his backup role to Paul Reed and his contract suddenly looks really bad for the Pistons, who try to move Stewart at the deadline and can’t find any takers.