Love/hate for 7 key Detroit Pistons and Monty Williams

Ausar Thompson 

Love: His two-way potential 

Hate: His luck 

Ausar Thompson shot just 18 percent from long range this season and I couldn’t care less. He showed just about everything else, as he was the only Piston who consistently gave effort and energy on the defensive end all season. 

Thompson has all of the traits of an elite defender, but he was also coming on offensively, started getting the rim more and showing his ability as a playmaker. It took coach Monty Williams most of the season to figure out that sticking his most athletic, dynamic player in the corner was not the best way to use him. I hope Monty is watching how Amen Thompson is being used creatively in Houston, as Ausar is a unique player who will require a unique role, perhaps as a playmaking power forward. 

The only real negative to Ausar’s season is its abrupt end due to blood clots, which is horrible luck. Hopefully, he’ll get the treatment he needs and be back to full health next season, as was the Pistons’ most exciting player in my opinion and is one of two players they should be building around.