Las Vegas Summer League tips off on Saturday for the Detroit Pistons, who will open their four-game slate against the Orlando Magic at 5:30 p.m. It’s the first chance to see first-round picks Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser suit up for the Pistons, along with a chance to see more of trade deadline addition James Wiseman.
Here are five questions for the roster.
What role will Thompson play?
Thompson and his twin brother, Amen, were men among boys in Overtime Elite last season. Ausar secured his place as a top-five prospect thanks to his all-around game, averaging 16.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, 6.1 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.1 blocks last season. The Pistons aren’t concerned that Thompson was 20 in a league of players largely ranging in age from 16-19. He has NBA size and length, processes the game like a point guard and will be one of the best athletes on any floor he’s on.
Detroit Pistons draft pick Ausar Thompson greets area youth after an introductory news conference at the Henry Ford Detroit Pistons Performance Center, Friday, June 23, 2023.
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But the summer league action will give us our first glimpse of the role the Pistons want Thompson to play. He won’t have to do everything at the next level, and Troy Weaver specifically wants Thompson to grow into an elite defender who can take on the toughest assignments. At 6 feet 6 with a 7-foot wingspan, he should be able to guard multiple positions.
In Las Vegas, it could mean we’ll see Thompson matched up against draft classmates Anthony Black and Jett Howard when the Pistons face the Magic. Or, Cam Whitmore and Thompson’s own brother when the Pistons play the Houston Rockets on Sunday. They’re the type of versatile, shot-making guards and wings the Pistons will need Thompson to defend nightly during the regular season.
I’m also curious how Thompson fits in offensively, as he thrives as a cutter and secondary playmaker. His one weakness is his shooting, as he knocked…
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