It’s great news for Ausar Thompson and the Pistons that he’s officially cleared to resume full basketball activities. After such a significant health issue, the Pistons will likely ease him back carefully, as you mentioned, giving him time to ramp up to game speed. His ability to participate in five-on-five action is promising, as it suggests he’s in good physical condition and has been closely following his recovery plan.
Thompson’s return could provide a nice boost for Detroit, given his potential as a former top-five pick and the excitement surrounding his skill set. The Pistons may use this gradual approach to integrate him back into the lineup, perhaps monitoring his minutes early on. It’ll be interesting to see how he impacts the team, especially with his athleticism and defensive prowess.
Thompson’s return certainly gives the Pistons a much-needed defensive edge and adds versatility to their lineup. His ability to guard multiple positions and contribute on the boards can make an immediate impact, especially given Detroit’s need for defensive solidity and additional playmaking depth. With Cade Cunningham shouldering much of the offense, Thompson’s defense and secondary playmaking could let Cade rest while still keeping Detroit competitive.
His lack of shooting will be a challenge to manage, but JB Bickerstaff’s experience in Cleveland with non-shooting lineups—finding ways to maximize defensive assets like Jarrett Allen and Evan Mobley—should help. Thompson’s deployment as a roller and cutter, instead of a spot-up shooter, could fit more smoothly now that Detroit has added shooting from bigs like Isaiah Stewart and Paul Reed. This will allow Thompson to leverage his athleticism off-ball without compromising spacing.
Balancing minutes will be tricky, though. While veterans like Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. provide scoring, their minutes could be shaved slightly to integrate Thompson. Ron Holland’s role might also take a hit, though his development will still be important for Detroit. Simone Fontecchio’s minutes could be at risk too, given his struggles to consistently contribute.
All in all, Thompson’s return brings excitement and another building block for Detroit’s future. As he ramps up, his presence will likely help solidify the team’s defense and provide a bit more flexibility, especially on lineups that aim to be gritty and competitive in close games.
