Wild lineup idea shows advantage Pistons must explore

Ausar Thompson needs a bigger role on offense 

One of Monty Williams’ many many mistakes last season was essentially using Ausar Thompson, the most athletic player on his team, as a spot-up shooter. This is a guy who shot 18 percent from 3-point range last season. Brilliant strategy, Monty! 

Thompson does need to tighten up his handles, but he is a creator with the ball in his hands, and this proposed lineup would open up all types of space. 

Thompson could be used as a screener and roll man with Cade Cunningham, forcing defenses to leave one of them open or come off one of three shooters surrounding them. 

Thompson could also be the creator himself, with four shooters around him and plenty of space in which to operate. Thompson is a good passer who can draw defenders and kick it out to one of Beasley, Fontecchio, Cunningham or Harris, all of whom can knock down open shots. 

Stay at home and Thompson will slide into the lane for dunks. 

This would also force the other team to either go small or try to defend one of Thompson, Cunningham or Beasley with a big man. Good luck with that. 

Thompson’s versatility on both ends should be an advantage the Pistons can exploit by moving him all over on defense and offense, forcing the other team to adjust.