The Detroit Pistons kicked off the preseason with a road win over the Memphis Grizzlies. The starters played the first half of the game before sitting out in the second half. They managed to dominate during their run, scoring 50 points in the second quarter. Cade Cunningham seemingly picked up where he left off with his 20 points on 8/11 shooting in only 19 minutes of action.
The preseason games are obviously less about the score and more about individual roles and performances. Ausar Thompson's role as an on-ball creator and playmaker was particularly interesting. When asked about it on Tuesday, head coach JB Bickerstaff told fans to expect more of that going forward, per The Detroit Free Press's Omari Sankofa.
Pistons Fans Will Love Ausar Thompson's New Offensive Role
When discussing Thompson handling the ball more in the first preseason game, Bickerstaff said, "That's something that we are going to do more of. The tempo that he plays at when he has the ball in his hands and the threat that he becomes when he has the ball in his hands change the way teams have to guard him. He has the ability to make his teammates better. When he is playing at that tempo, pushing the ball, forcing everyone else to run, we just become a faster basketball team."
In 16 minutes of action, Thompson finished with five points, five rebounds, and three assists on 2/5 shooting. As expected, he added two steals and a block. Pistons fans have absolutely no concerns about the impact Thompson can make on the defensive side of the ball, as he has already proven himself to be one of the most versatile and best defenders in the league. On the offensive side of the ball, the fact that Bickerstaff is trusting him more with the ball is a great sign for his development.
Just like his twin brother, Amen, the 22-year-old Piston has some of the most intriguing athletic tools in the NBA. He is one of the fastest players in the league. Combine that with his size, strength, and vertical athleticism, and you have a fascinating all-around player. Thompson's shooting is obviously a work in progress, but having the ball in his hands more also helps with that. If he is an on-ball creator, Thompson is not causing spacing issues for Cade Cunningham as a non-shooter off the ball. Cunningham spacing the floor for Thompson can work better at times than the other way around.
After a standout second season, the Ausar Thompson hype train is already in full speed. The new and larger offensive role teased by Bickerstaff should only add more momentum to the hype train. An unleashed Ausar Thompson gives the Pistons more speed and more unpredictability. That can only be a positive thing ahead of a crucial 2025-26 season.