Saben Lee got his first meaningful run for the Detroit Pistons last night and that might be the last we see of Cory Joseph.
Lee provided a spark for the Pistons, flying around on defense, running the floor and ending the game with 17 points, six rebounds and six assists.
Cory Joseph watched from the bench, smiling the whole time, secure in the knowledge that he’s getting his five million whether he steps on the floor again or not. Must be nice.
Lee has big flaws as a player, and I am not sure he is ultimately the answer at backup point guard, but there is no doubt he should be in the rotation over Joseph.
I like Cory Joseph. He seems like a genuinely nice guy, and he is a good veteran leader. But he can “lead” from the bench, which is where he should stay.
Here’s why.
Detroit Pistons: Saben Lee is a better defender
Lee had three steals and a block last night and his defense clearly energized the Pistons in the second quarter.
He was flying around and getting into passing lanes, pressuring the ball and generally doing things that Cory Joseph does not. Lee gambles too often at times, but at least he can make plays on defense and get out in transition when he does.
The pace
The Pistons do not get enough easy buckets, which is a big problem when you are a team that can’t shoot. CoJo has a bad habit of walking the ball up the floor and grinding the game to a halt in the half court, which doesn’t work when your team can’t shoot.
Lee, on the other hand, gets the ball and goes, makes a beeline for the hoop and tries to finish or kick it out. Neither of them can shoot much but at least Lee is aggressive, plays fast and gets the Pistons some easier looks.
The rim
Saben Lee is usually the smallest man on the floor but doesn’t play like it. He goes to the rim with intent and is really good at finishing acrobatic shots.
CoJo is useless at the rim, usually ends up surrounded by three guys and can’t do anything in the paint.
Lee continually beat Patty Mills off the dribble last night, got into the lane and made things happen, which is something Joseph simply cannot do.
Like I said, Saben Lee might not ultimately be the answer for the Detroit Pistons but right now he provides an upgrade over Cory Joseph and should be the backup point guard moving forward.