Pistons Expect Thompson Breakout After 44-Win Turnaround

After a dramatic turnaround from 14 to 44 wins in 2024-25 and a first-round playoff exit, the Detroit Pistons are building around superstar Cade Cunningham and emphasizing internal growth. In the offseason they added Tennessee sharpshooter Chaz Lanier with the No. 37 pick to provide floor spacing, ball-handling depth and three-and-D support behind Cunningham. Ausar Thompson, fully healthy after a blood-clot diagnosis, spent the offseason sharpening his outside shot and is being viewed as the team’s likely X-factor heading into media day and training camp. Thompson averaged 10.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.7 steals in 2024-25 and posted improved defensive metrics, prompting discussion of him as a legitimate Most Improved Player and potential All-Star candidate if his offense takes a leap. Detroit’s 2025-26 strategy centers on maximizing internal development and leveraging new spacing additions rather than pursuing major roster overhauls.