The Detroit Pistons were prepared to take the next step in their rebuilding process last season, but former #1 pick Cade Cunningham injured his left shin in December and was out for the rest of the season. The injury put a damper on things because the Pistons ended up 17-65 without their main cog.
Fortunately, Cunningham is back with a young team that could possibly do damage this season. Plus, Detroit made some moves and ended up with two first round picks in this year's NBA Draft.
Round 1, Pick 5: Ausar Thompson - F - Overtime Elite. 6'7", 218 lbs (16.6 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.4 spg).
Thompson played for Overtime Elite over the past couple of years and has really improved immensely over the past year. He is an elite defender with point-forward athleticism. On offense, he is a scorer that is continuing to work on his midrange game.
From his Summer League highlights, he will absolutely be a problem for opponents in transition. Thompson could potentially start right away at small forward.
Round 1, Pick 25: Marcus Sasser - G - Houston. 6'2", 195 lbs (16.8 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.1 apg, 38.4% 3-PT FG%).
Sasser would definitely have went higher if it was not due to nagging injuries throughout his college career. Sasser is a pure scorer from the point-guard position. He should see some time off of the bench due to his scoring ability.
He absolutely went off in the Summer League and scored the most points in a Summer League game this year with 40.
Overview: Thompson has the potential to become an All-Star later on in his NBA career. Sasser could potentially become a high-level scorer off of the bench and could be like this generation's Vinnie Johnson for the Pistons. "Detroit Basketball!" Grade: A.
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