You could say that the pressure is mounting a little for the Detroit Pistons heading into the 2024-25 NBA season. Of course, they don’t expect a radical change, instantly becoming playoff contenders after making major changes, but it is essential to see positive results.
The management has been overhauled. As a result, the coaching staff has also undergone major changes. There has been no roster overhaul, but the Pistons have made some key additions.
Heading into next season, who could be considered Detroit’s X-factor?
According to Bleacher Report Grant Hughes isn’t one of the new prospects added like Tobias Harris or Tim Hardaway Jr. Former second-year first-round pick Ausar Thompson gets that label this summer.
“With blocks, steals, offensive rebounds and defensive rebounds that were in the 88th percentile or better at his position last year, Thompson was a chaos generator of the highest order. Already a solid passer with good instincts, Thompson’s next step must be to score efficiently. If he can do that, Detroit will have an ideal complement to Cunningham. If he can’t, the Pistons will have a hard time avoiding another step backward as they search for better building blocks.”
After being stuck in a rebuilding phase for several seasons, the Pistons have found themselves in position to land a high-level lottery pick in the last five drafts. Last summer, the Pistons spent the fifth overall pick to acquire Thompson from the Overtime Elite program.
Everything that was said about Thompson before he entered the NBA came true during his first campaign. Defensively, Thompson stood out. He averaged one block and one steal per game. On the rebound side, he pulled down nearly seven rebounds per game.
On offense, Thompson shot 48 percent from the field, averaging nine points per game. He found some scoring opportunities, but his long-range shooting proved his shot wasn’t ready to be used that early. Thompson’s most notable play before the draft gave his critics a reason to say, “I told you so.” In 63 games, Thompson averaged just 19 percent from three-point range after attempting 113 three-pointers.
The 2024-25 season will be the year the Pistons need to line up as many reliable shooters as possible around standout point guard Cade Cunningham. Thompson’s defense is good enough to mask the struggles of three players so far. However, his ability to find consistency from deep will be key not only to his personal success, but to Detroit’s overall success.
