PISTONS OPEN-PRACTICE TAKEAWAYS
Buddy Boheim, James Wiseman, Cade Cunningham, Jared Rhoden, Jaden Ivey, and Isaiah Livers watching the Pistons rookies at open practice.
Shot by Zariq Turner for Bullyball
T he Pistons held their annual open practice, free of charge for fans at Little Caesars Arena on October 15th, and I had the privilege to be in attendance as media this year. As always, the rabid Detroit fanbase populated the exterior of the arena well before the beginning of the event. With this practice happening each year, those who are not in attendance always ask for what could be taken from this small glimpse into the team. In this article, you will find my observations and takeaways from being on the floor for this open practice.
Cade Cunningham at 23-24’ Pistons’ Open Practice, shot by Zariq Turner
I’ll start here, Cade Cunningham looked to be in great health. Though he had sat out Detroit’s pre-season matchup against Oklahoma City in Montreal as a last-minute scratch, Cade Cunnigham looked perfectly fine. The Pistons’ franchise cornerstone missed the majority of last season following a season-ending surgery on his shin that had plagued him since his high school days. Following something like this, it's fully understandable for fans to be concerned after seeing him sit out - even if it was for a preseason game. Those worried should take relief in knowing Cade was moving up and down the court, getting up with ease for dunks, and was in great spirits while interacting with fans. I saw it with my own two eyes, Cade is okay guys!
Jaden Ivey signing autographs at Pistons open practice, shot by Zariq Turner
Moving from Cade-related concerns, as far as the on-court product, there was not too much to be taken from this year’s display. Typically, in years prior, there is a scrimmage between the starting and bench lineups for fans to gauge how the team will look as the season approaches. With a new coach in Monty Williams, things ran differently this year. A few three-man weaves, layup lines, cool dunks, autographs, and rookie pranks were what consisted of the product for fans this year. For it being free, you can’t ask for much more. The majority of my takeaways happened away from the court.
The Pistons media room had many quick, but interesting moments. As we waited to speak with Monty Williams Isaiah Livers popped his head into the room just to yell, “Go Lions!” Monty Williams ended his press conference gloating and showing off his Notre Dame beanie. Marcus Sasser plodded into the room following every inch of his Sudan being covered in popcorn as a form of rookie initiation. However, nothing stood out to me more than this, Ausar Thompson is a different kind of dude. The Pistons’ 5th overall selection entered the media room as the last Pistons member to speak with the press in full uniform, quickly ditching the Ken-inspired costume he had to wear during practice. He answered every question asked to him concisely and with a smile. So much has been made of the athlete Ausar Thompson is, how dedicated he is to his craft, and how he simply breathes basketball. Everyone knows how Ausar will likely be the last one out of the gym, but I was curious to see more of Ausar- the regular guy. I asked my very first question in an NBA press conference to Ausar, asking him how the transition to the NBA was, off the court. He stared back at me and for the first time all night, Ausar struggled to answer a question. After searching for what to say Ausar uttered, “I don’t know, I actually don’t know. After practice, there’s a decent amount of free time, so just finding time on my own to go to the gym.” In my time covering the team, I hope to discover more of what makes Ausar the individual and athlete that stands before you today, however, this answer sat with me afterward. Initially, I pondered if my question was poorly constructed, if stumping Ausar with said question was a negative, but then it hit me. Ausar really just lives basketball, and it’s apparent following his journey from Overtime Elite to the NBA. All those videos you’ve seen of Ausar and Amen naming random NBA players, him blocking a little kid’s jump shot (still hilarious), and the countless stories you’ve heard of his work ethic are really who Ausar is. Oftentimes, you ask an athlete about their life outside of the sport, they give you an incredibly detailed answer about their hobbies, how the city life is, or the friends they hang out with. Ausar XLNC Thompson only cares about basketball, and getting better.