NBA Rookies: Ausar Thompson Could be Catalyst for Pistons’ Success

There’s no question the Pistons roster will have talent. But an incoming rookie could put them over the edge for the first time in years.

Losing records come with winning players.

Despite a not-so-fun past few seasons for the Detroit Pistons, they’ve amassed one of the more intriguing young cores in the league by hanging around near the top of NBA Drafts.

Cade Cunningham first overall in 2021. Jaden Ivey fifth and Jalen Duren thirteenth in 2022. And plenty of other role players strewn throughout.

And for the most part, the team, led by Cunningham, is set to see more success this season than year’s past. The NBA as a whole is a gauntlet. But barring any more major injuries, there’s simply no way they can be worse in 2023.

But for all their talent, their newest draftee, Ausar Thompson, could be the catalyst for success.

At 6-foot-7, Thompson is a hyper athlete with unique physical tools. Premier length, leaping ability and elasticity already make him an intriguing prospect. But his connective style of play — highlighted by stingy perimeter defense, gaudy passing chops and playmaking ability, be it offensive or defensive — ties his package together.

Those skills alone could very well raise both the floor and ceiling of this Pistons squad, as early as next season but more likely years down the road.

Nearly every successful core to this point has had some form of “glue guy.” And as we already saw in 2023 Summer League, Thompson is vastly talented both on his own and in a team setting.

The Pistons will likely see more wins this year regardless. But how good they become could hinge on a few different things, with Thompson’s output being at the top of that list.

Want to join the discussion? Like Draft Digest on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay up to date on all the latest NBA Draft news. You can also meet the team behind the coverage.