Ausser Thompson arrives ahead of the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft (Photo by Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)
The Detroit Pistons came out of the 2023 NBA Draft and had two players who could help them right away.
They pushed for the fences with Auser Thompson at age five, a high-profile defensive prospect and one of the best athletes in his class.
Detroit then traded up to the 25th pick to grab it Marcus ChaucerA tough 3-and-D point guard from Houston, he showed big-time leadership last season while leading one of the best teams in the NCAA.
Thompson’s defense needs to play right away, and Chaucer is a seasoned 22-year-old floor leader who can provide the Pistons with some protection right away and fire off the bench.
So will both be in the rotation to start the season? Here’s what the Pistons’ depth chart looks like right now.
Pistons depth chart after the 2023 NBA draft and before free agency
I assume the Pistons use their team options on Alec Burks and Isaiah Livers for these purposes. Detroit will still make some additions in free agency and trades, so this isn’t the final product, but will give you an idea of what they’re working on in free agency:
- Kate Cunningham/Gillian Hayes/Marcus Chaucer
- Jaden Ivy/Alec Burks
- Auser Thompson / Isaiah Livers
- Bojan Bogdanovic/Isaiah Stewart
- Jalen Duran/James Wiseman/Marvin Bagley III
There are currently 12 spots filled, although some of these players can be expected to move on to other teams at the start of next season.
The Detroit Pistons have at least three questions heading into free agency.
