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Pistons player preview: To excel as an elite defender, Ausar Thompson must improve his offense

Ausar Thompson averaged 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.9 assists for the Detroit Pistons in his rookie year while slashing 48/19/60 from the floor, three-point line, and free-throw line, respectively. I suppose that’s where this player preview for Ausar should really begin — those percentages. Because there’s more to be concerned about than just his paltry performance from deep.

For a player who attempted 66% of his shots from fewer than 10ft away from the hoop (317/480), 48% from the floor is too low. For reference, Isaiah Stewart shot 58% within 10 feet and Marvin Bagley III shot 62% from within 10 feet.