Ausar Thompson plans to take a more aggressive approach offensively this season and become a more developed player, he said By Amari Sankofa II of the Detroit Free Press.
“A lot of people say that sometimes when you’re too selfless, you’re being selfish.”he pistons the wing said. “I feel like it’s an adjustment for myself because I can go for a smaller guy or attack a mismatch, but I see someone who might not even have the same advantage as me and pass it. Not to be too unselfish because it’s selfish. I could help the team by going for that guy.”
Thompson was a rare 3-pointer last season, but he can still be a versatile threat in other ways.
“More form, focus on technique” he said. “Because it’s not just shooting. I’m not just working on shooting. I’m working on getting to the middie, pulling up, getting to the cup, all of that. Some days I’m lighter, there will be shots, but not necessarily a straight number.”
However, Thompson knows why he signed a five-year, $155 million contract. He made the defensive first team last season and wants to be a permanent part of it.
“Individual, defensive first team. I’m not hoping it happens, I’m waiting for it.” Thompson said. “That’s what happened last year. And for a team, the way we play hard, the way we play together, we move the ball. I expect a lot of ball movement, body movement and a lot of easy scoring and defense not being able to keep up with us.”
Here’s more on the Pistons:
- Cade Cunningham feels that the public perception of the team is not true. Although the franchise won 60 games and led the Eastern Conference last season, he believes the club is underrated, he said Sankofa. “Maybe the public sees us differently, but believe it or not, I’ve always felt like an opponent.” he said. “My first year, I thought I was going to come in and take us to the Eastern Conference finals, you know? That’s how I’ve always felt about myself, and that’s how I feel now. The public’s perspective on us, I think we still have a lot of doubt. I don’t think people think we’re going to do anything this year as far as the hype that I’m hearing. It is what it is, I really don’t care. I’m just really excited to do what I’m doing and help my team. win.”
- Cunningham is capable of re-entering the MVP discussion, but he needs to cut his losses, By Coty M. Davis of the Detroit News expresses an opinion. Davis notes that most of his issues stem from his high usage, but he’s still prone to rash moments that lead to careless losses. In the postseason, Cunningham led the league in turnovers at 5.6 per game among teams that advanced to at least the second round.
- They have signed a deal with digital sports entertainment platform DAZN to be their exclusive direct-to-consumer streaming partner starting this season, according to team press release. The Spot – Detroit 20 was previously announced as the broadcast partner for this season.
