As the Pistons plan out their next steps after an early playoff exit, Ausar Thompson has to be at the center of it all, as he is this team’s future. He has established himself as a core two-way player who Detroit can unleash in almost every situation. Now, the Pistons have to figure out how to use him most effectively while building a roster that can be competitive in the postseason.
Ausar Thompson is the Real Future of the Pistons
At this point, everyone knows that Detroit’s season didn’t end quite the way they planned. The Pistons finished the season as the number one team in the Eastern Conference, which was great. Unfortunately, they got knocked out of the playoffs in the second round, which was far less great. The fact that the Cavs cut off their comeback in seven games made the sting even more potent.
The silver lining is that it was a huge learning experience for a young roster. Detroit’s top players, in addition to Ausar Thompson, are Cade Cunningham, Daniss Jenkins, Jalen Duren, and Tobias Harris. Four of those players have five seasons or fewer of league experience and are under 25. On the other hand, Harris has 15 seasons under his belt, which is more than the other four combined.
Making it to the second round gave the Pistons significant playoff experience as a team. It was even more important for Thompson, as he had just finished his third season in the league. Every minute he can get on the court in high-pressure situations like the playoffs is invaluable. It’s hard to come by. And Ausar Thompson has proved he’s up to the challenge.
Thompson is All-Elite
Given that he’s only 22 years old, Thompson has proven himself to be a major player in the league. He’s quite possibly one of the best two-way players in the NBA, and he’s not even close to his prime. On offense, he’s an excellent connective passer who keeps the ball moving and can cut to the basket with flashes of speed. His mid-range jumper needs work, but it is coming along.
Then he shows up on defense, where he’s been compared to Pistons legend Dennis Rodman. What’s amazing is Thompson’s work on the perimeter. He’s aggressive, physical, and disruptive without committing an above-average number of fouls or turnovers. There’s a level of consistency and efficiency to his perimeter work that is almost impossible to replicate.
What makes Ausar Thompson such an impressive defender is a combination of hustle and scouting. He knows which hand his opposition plays with, then adjusts his strategy accordingly and cuts off shooting paths. That sets the stage for his tenacity, as he out-hustles his opponents at every turn with an unrelenting focus. Thompson’s chase-down blocks at the rim are always a sight to behold.
Inching Closer to Greatness Every Game
If Thompson can get his jump shot under control, making him an even more consistent offensive threat, he will be the foundation of the Pistons. Frankly, he’s so close to being that guy that fans can taste it. A lot of that will depend on how Detroit continues his development as well as the effort he puts in. That being said, Thompson’s dedication to his craft rarely seems to be an issue.
Changes made to the roster this offseason will also play a big role in Thompson’s growth. The Pistons have already traded Isaiah Stewart away while bringing in Isaiah Joe. On top of that, Detroit just finished the 2026 NBA Draft, where they picked up guard Ebuka Okorie and center Ugonna Onyenso. In addition to all of that, the Pistons will have to work on finding Cunningham a legit co-star this offseason.
How these changes impact Ausar Thompson could be the key to unlocking the next level of his game. He’s not going to be Cunningham’s co-star as Thompson is his own player, not support staff for someone else. Without question, he will be one of the pillars of Detroit’s championship campaign. The Pistons seem to know that. Hopefully, they lean into it even harder.
Photo Credit: Rick Osentoski, Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
