Ausar Thompson's moment has arrived.
He's ready to step into a big role at the perfect time for the Detroit Pistons, who want to build on last season's incredible turnaround.
The uber-athletic Thompson is expected to handle the ball more in 2025-26, allowing Cade Cunningham time to play without the basketball in his hands.
"Giving third-year forward Ausar Thompson more responsibility has come into focus," ESPN's Vince Goodwill writes. "The team began to take off last season when his health restrictions (blood clot) were lifted and his two-way prowess was unleashed. Now, the Pistons view him as a secondary ball handler, initiating offense as a change-of-pace guard to contrast the more deliberate Cade Cunningham."
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Thompson improved his numbers pretty much across the board from his first to his second NBA season.
In 2024-25, Thompson averaged 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.7 blocks per game.
His shooting leaves a lot to be desired (22.4% 3FG, 64.1% FT), but Thompson has every other skill you could want him to have.
His quickness and burst are a totally different look for opposing defenses than Cunningham's calm, cool and collected approach, as Goodwill alluded to above.
The Pistons are also still dealing with some injury trouble for speedy guard Jaden Ivey, which could mean Thompson's ball handling is more necessary early in the season.
If Detroit reaches its ceiling this season, it's likely in part because Thompson has a special campaign.
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