Ausar Thompson takes on larger offensive load in Pistons preseason win

The Detroit Pistons used their two-point preseason win over Phoenix on Monday to test a bigger offensive role for Ausar Thompson. The wing was heavily involved as a creator just weeks after inking a five-year, $155MM rookie scale extension.

Thompson runs offense alongside and without Cunningham

In the first half, Thompson split ballhandling responsibilities with Cade Cunningham instead of operating primarily off the ball. When Cunningham was held out after the break, Thompson effectively became the primary point guard and initiated most of Detroit’s sets.

He also flashed growth as a scorer from the midrange, an area that has drawn attention in his development. Thompson knocked down three jumpers from that zone and finished with 10 points, hinting at a more versatile offensive package heading into the season.

Collins adds spacing, athleticism at power forward

New power forward John Collins is expected to change how defenses guard Cunningham and centre Jalen Duren. As noted by The Athletic, Collins is regarded as the best floor-spacing big either player has worked with to this point, giving Detroit another credible shooting threat in its frontcourt.

Beyond his perimeter touch, Collins remains a lob target and injects more youth and athleticism into a spot previously held by veteran Tobias Harris. He has praised the intensity of his new teammates and acknowledged he must match that edge to carve out his place in the Pistons’ core.

Duren on cautious ramp-up, Okorie and Holland impress

Duren, who agreed to a five-year, $200MM deal over the weekend, did not suit up against the Suns. Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff said the organization is following a deliberate ramp-up plan to ensure the big man is fully ready for the regular-season opener on October 20, emphasizing that the staff is willing to be patient to get him there at full speed.

First-round pick Ebuka Okorie delivered the decisive basket, driving to the rim for the game-winning layup in the closing seconds. Bickerstaff highlighted the rookie’s poise and finishing ability for his age, pointing out that he rarely looks rushed even in late-game situations.

Third-year wing Ron Holland posted a team-high 14 points despite going 4-for-12 from the field. He said he devoted the summer to film study and to refining his pace, working on playing fast while processing the game more slowly. The front office must decide by the end of the month whether to exercise its $11.49MM team option on Holland’s 2027/28 season, making his preseason performance particularly significant.