It finally looks as if Marcus Sasser is going to get a real chance at minutes on the Dallas Mavericks, which he never really got as a member of the Detroit Pistons.
Sasser took advantage in game one against the Rockets, putting up 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting and playing 24 minutes, same as the starter Kyrie Irving.
Sasser never got a chance at regular minutes for the Pistons, even though he played well just about every time he was called upon and managed to stay ready even though he never knew when or if he would get on the court.
This ability to stay ready is something the Pistons will need from rookie Ebuka Okorie, who likely won’t play much to start the season but will be one of the first deep bench guys called upon if there is an injury.
Sasser hit 4-of-5 of his 3-point attempts, doing what we know he can do well, which is put up points in a hurry and generate his own shot.
It’s what Sasser doesn’t do that got him traded from the Pistons, and even if he blows up in his new role, Sasser won't join the list of players the Pistons regret trading.
Marcus Sasser, Kyrie Irving and the Pistons
The Mavericks are a team Pistons fans will keep an eye on this season, partly to watch the progress of Sasser, who was always a fan favorite, and also to see Kyrie Irving, who is a possible trade target for the Pistons later in the season.
Sasser outdueled his veteran counterpart in the first game, and it appears Irving may be on a minutes limitation, as he and Sasser both logged 24 minutes in the opening night loss to Houston.
Every time Sasser has a good game, there will be Pistons fans who wonder why they gave up on this guy, but if you look at the rest of his stat line, you’ll know why. Sasser notched just one assist in 24 minutes and added a turnover to negate it.
While he’s very good at getting his own shot, Sasser doesn’t do much to set up teammates and was never great at running the offense as a point guard. The Pistons went with Daniss Jenkins instead, who is not only a cheaper option but more of a facilitator.
Jenkins didn’t play much in the opener but racked up three assists and was on the floor in the 4th quarter when the Pistons went on their run against Boston.
I’m happy for Sasser and hope he finally gets a real role, as I do think he’s an NBA player, but he wasn’t the right fit for the Pistons, who are happy with the guards they have.
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