Pistons Youngster's Stock is On the Rise Despite First Round Exit

Despite losing to the New York Knicks in six games in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs, there were plenty of positives to take away from the Detroit Pistons' 2024-25 season. Not only did they improve their win total by 30 from a year prior, but they also found their core of their future.

While Cade Cunningham's ascendance rightfully grabbed all headlines, Detroit had several young players take massive steps forward under head coach JB Bickerstaff. One of those players was the fifth-overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Ausar Thompson.

Ausar Thompson's Stock is Rising Despite Pistons' Playoff Exit

After starting the season dealing with a blood clot and missing the first 18 games, Thompson came into his own as the season progressed. He gradually increased his minutes and role and became a crucial piece for the Pistons, especially on the defensive side of the ball.

In the playoffs, Thompson was tasked with guarding Jalen Brunson for long stretches of the games. His full-court pressure, length, intensity, and athleticism gave the Knicks' star all sorts of trouble. Other than the occasional foul trouble, Thompson more than held his own against a potent Knicks offense.

While his offense is still a work in progress, Thompson took strides on that end of the floor as well. In his last two games against the Knicks, he averaged 19.5 points in 26 minutes per game on 13/17 shooting from the field. He went to the free throw line a whopping 22 games during that stretch.

Thompson finished his first playoff campaign, increasing his scoring output (11.5 minutes per game) and efficiency (59.6 True Shooting%) while playing as many minutes as he did in the regular season. He did so while guarding one of the most dynamic perimeter players in the league.

His shooting and scoring touch obviously need to improve for Thompson to be a true superstar in this league, but he is already an elite defender and a solid role player. The future is bright for the 22-year-old forward, making Detroit's road ahead that much brighter as well. The sky is the limit for Thompson, and he has finally begun to scratch the surface of his unlimited potential.