Pistons’ Ausar Thompson Set for Expanded Role Under Bickerstaff

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Detroit Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff plans to expand Ausar Thompson’s workload this season, leaning on the third-year swingman as the team balances a rebuilt roster with new perimeter shooters and its established defensive identity.

Ausar Thompson logged 25.9 minutes per game last season, a career high. On Thursday, Bickerstaff said the Pistons plan to increase that workload even further, according to CBS Sports. The move reflects Thompson’s standing as a foundational piece alongside Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, and comes after he inked a five-year extension that solidified his long-term role.

Ausar Thompson’s expanded offensive role

Thompson, a first-team All-Defense selection last season, expects to handle more playmaking duties alongside his primary defensive mission. “Been working on it for most of the summer,” Thompson said of his offensive development. “Getting to spots, raising up. It all comes with being aggressive, throwing the first punch and everything flows, everything’s free.”

His shooting form remains a work in progress—Thompson has never exceeded 65% from the free-throw line or 25% from three-point range—but his assist and steal totals have risen in each of his first three seasons. Bickerstaff’s confidence in Thompson’s offensive expansion signals the Pistons intend to deploy him as a more complete, two-way engine rather than a pure defender.

Fit within Detroit’s new offensive identity

The Detroit Pistons remade their perimeter depth over the offseason, adding 40% three-point shooters John Collins, Isaiah Joe and Taurean Prince. That overhaul directly impacts how Thompson fits into the lineup: with Duncan Robinson and Collins projected to start alongside Cunningham and Duren, Thompson’s increased minutes likely come through bench play and matchup-based flexibility rather than a starting-lineup change.

Bickerstaff acknowledged the team’s offensive shift in practice comments, noting the Pistons have made adjustments to become “harder to guard.” The threat of outside shooting now complements Detroit’s established rim protection and high-percentage attacking principles. Thompson’s expanded offensive involvement—particularly his playmaking—fits that framework by creating more versatile lineups.

Thompson’s off-season preparation

Thompson said he has spent the offseason building on his physical condition and managing the lingering effects of a blood clot that had impacted his first two seasons. According to NBA.com, he described this as his most complete offseason preparation. That health trajectory, combined with his first-team All-Defense credentials, positions him as a reliable anchor on both ends.

What’s next

The Pistons open the preseason Oct. 5 against the Phoenix Suns at home. The regular season begins Oct. 20 at Boston. The preseason will provide early evidence of how Bickerstaff implements Thompson’s expanded offensive role within the new roster construction.

Reporting from CBS Sports, Yahoo Sports and NBA.com contributed to this story.

Dustin Judge

Dustin Judge is the Founder and CEO of Total Apex Media, bringing more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience to the company's growing network of digital publications. He specializes in sports, sports betting, fantasy sports, and digital publishing, with a focus on producing accurate, timely, and engaging content for readers. Dustin oversees editorial strategy, content development, and publishing operations across Total Apex Media while remaining actively involved in sports, betting, and fantasy sports coverage.