Did Ausar Thompson’s Playoff Defense OUTWEIGH His Offensive Shortcomings for Detroit Pistons?
Detroit Pistons face a pivotal decision: Is Ausar Thompson already a franchise cornerstone after a historic NBA playoff showing? Thompson’s defensive dominance, likened to Ben Wallace and prime Kawhi Leonard, powered the Pistons against the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, racking up rare block and steal numbers while locking down stars like James Harden and Donovan Mitchell. Yet his offensive shortcomings and struggles from three-point range raise tough questions about Detroit’s long-term plans.
The conversation focused on Thompson’s defensive generational impact versus his limitations as a scorer and shooter. Key themes include advanced defensive metrics, on- and off-court impact, and whether Thompson’s value—estimated at $32–$35 million per year—justifies a major contract extension. The discussion explored potential offensive growth, fit with Cade Cunningham, and playoff adjustments made by J.B. Bickerstaff’s schemes. Should the Pistons build around Thompson despite offensive concerns, or do his strengths outweigh his weaknesses on a contending roster?
Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
5-Hour ENERGYThe funfetti flavor is BACK on https://5hourEnergy.com or Amazon, crack open Confetti Craze 5-hour ENERGY®️ shot today!
KALSHIFor a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.
DoorDashFrom tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.DoorDash. In your bag all season long.
RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men.
IndeedListeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast
GametimeToday’s episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.
FanDuelToday’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/podcasts/locked-on-pistons/
Locked On NBA League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft, WNBA & More
🎧 https://lockedonpodcasts.com/leagues/nba
#DetroitPistons #Pistons #NBA
idk man i just think me personally having an offensive cornerstone in Cade and defensive cornerstone in Ausar just seems as if we dont really need JD, i truly think any C can have success with those 2, just need to use the money wisely to complete a good roster around those 2, i know it wont happen but idk i just see the true need for Duren
Still think Detroit was a better match up for the knicks??? 😂😂😂😂🧡💙NYK
I saw a young Dennis Rodman play spectacular defensive basket ball. Rodman is in the HOF today. Ausar Thompson is better.
AT Levert Toby pic swap lol for Randle Dante Bones
Detroit build around defense, pick up one more shooter/playmaker in the offseason at the PF spot. Try to get CJ with the MLE, trade Stew and Caris for Naz. Bring back Tobias off the bench for 2yrs 14m.
I don't know; giving $35M per to a elite defensive specialist is a huge risk. I just don't see long term success when you are consistently playing 4 on 5 offense. When teams can literately leave you wide open and don't have to guard you that's a serious problem. I'm sorry I can't ride with that especially with what people are seeing from the Spurs and OKC. You guys can compare Ausar to Draymond but he was always been a good facilitator and passer even though he's not the greatest shooter. He's shot close to league average most of his career from 3pt. Draymond was not only the engine on defense for GS but he was also the heart of the offense with his playmaking skills. He's also had seasons near 40% from 3. I just have not seen enough growth from Ausar offensively to say he's a cornerstone (obviously it doesn't matter what I think). To me though he remains a role player with an elite skill (defense) that's it. With all due respect; who cares if a coach said they just went away from Ausar on defense because they literally just ignored him on the offensive side and blew out the Pistons in game 7. Negating all the good on defense. Great teams like the Spurs, Celtics, and OKC can and will exploit that much better than the Cavs did this year. Continuing to minimize this key factor will be to the detriment of the Pistons. Marcus Smart might be the closest comp and even the Celtics ended up trading him because of his lack of offense. His brother has at least been a consistent offensive threat although he too can't shoot but he's found ways to score. Hope Ausar does prove me wrong.
Who do yall think we should draft? I really like Isiah Evans he feels like a safe pick, he’s a good shooter and nothing tells me that he can’t be a good defender. Definitely needs to put on some weight but has decent size (6’6 with a 6’10 wingspan I think) and I think his style will mesh well as a movement. We could also trade up for Cam Carr
Just give me a 15 to 17 footer……and a floater and he'll be a consistent allstar…..and for the life of me DUNK THE BASKETBALL!! stop with all them left-handed horrible layups!! Way to athletic for that
Before the playoffs, I probably would’ve said Ausar was a $27-30M player, but what he did in the playoffs was something else. There really aren’t many defenders that impact the game the way he does. Like you said, most “defensive guys” are elite at one thing, Ausar is damn near elite at everything defensively. You can even see how much better Duren looks when Ausar is out there covering ground and cleaning things up. I think 32-34ish would be great. Trajan is definitely not taking any chances
Offensively, I still think his weaknesses get more exposed by the way the team is built right now. Obviously we want him to hit open 3s eventually, but I agree with you, the biggest things are FT shooting, finishing, being more aggressive, developing 1-2 go-to moves/counters and stop passing up open looks. Those middies will be there for him all day, take them.
The encouraging part is we’ve already seen flashes of all this, it’s just about consistency now. I think this offseason gives him a very clear idea of exactly what he needs to work on. I'm excited to see his improvements next season.
Im not as big of an Ausar fan as most people on here and even I agree that anything up to 35 mil is fair. I just can't see this team being successful with Duren around 40 too.
Ausar was great defensively in playoffs but if the pistons want compete for a championship he will need to become some kind of offensive threat. A 3 would be nice but I would also be fine with him become a better finisher and driver to hoop as long as he can up his Free throw percentage to at least 70%. I feel like some times he was hesitant to drive to hoop because was worried about get fouled and missing free throws.