The Detroit Pistons find themselves in the midst of one of their most challenging seasons in franchise history, languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a dismal 12-56 record. Adding to their woes, the team has received unfortunate news that will further hamper their already struggling campaign.
Rising star rookie Ausar Thompson and 22-year-old Center Isaiah Stewart have both been sidelined for the remainder of the season. NBA Insider Shams Charania reports that Thompson’s season has been cut short due to a blood clot issue requiring treatment.
He has been absent from the court for the past five games, last playing on March 9 against the Dallas Mavericks before exiting due to illness after just 11 minutes of play. In his debut season, Thompson appeared in 63 games, posting averages of 8.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 steals per game.
Similarly, Isaiah Stewart will miss the remainder of the season due to a right hamstring strain sustained during a recent game against the Boston Celtics. Stewart, who has played 46 games this season, has been a solid contributor with averages of 10.9 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game.
While Ausar Thompson has been given the green light to resume conditioning and will begin non-contact basketball activities once the regular season concludes, the focus remains on ensuring his full recovery for the upcoming season. With only 14 games left in the current season and playoff hopes out of reach, there is no rush to expedite the return of the two sidelined stars.
Looking ahead, the Detroit Pistons aim to put the forgettable 2023-24 season behind them. The season started on a sour note as they endured a 28-game losing streak, tying an NBA record for futility alongside the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite the grim outlook, there are reasons for optimism heading into the next season.
Cade Cunningham has displayed flashes of brilliance throughout the season, establishing himself as a potential cornerstone for the franchise’s future. Alongside promising young talents like Ausar Thompson, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Stewart, the Pistons possess a foundation upon which to build.
Head coach Monty Williams, a former Coach of the Year recipient, is tasked with guiding the team’s development and improvement in the seasons to come.
Amidst the struggles of the current campaign, the Pistons remain hopeful for a brighter future, banking on the growth of their young core and the leadership of their coaching staff.
As the curtain falls on a challenging season, the focus shifts towards rebuilding and regrouping for a more promising showing in the following year. Do you believe the Pistons can rebound and perform better in the upcoming season compared to their struggles in 2023-24?
