Pistons appear all-in on Ausar Thompson’s new role after strategy change

Maxwell Ogden writes that the Detroit Pistons demonstrated a strategic offensive shift by utilizing Ausar Thompson as an expanded on-ball creator during their preseason opener. After signing a five-year, $155 million contract extension, Thompson acted as a primary ball-handler in the second half and received over 10 ball screens, a frequency reached only five times throughout the entire 2025-26 season.

Pistons head coach J.B. Bickerstaff stated that Thompson needs to have the ball in his hands to facilitate his offensive development. Ogden notes that developing Thompson into a capable secondary playmaker and perimeter scorer would alleviate significant offensive pressure from primary creator Cade Cunningham.