The Pistons have extra offensive opportunities to go around with Cade Cunningham sidelined, but Marcus Sasser hasn't been able to capitalize yet. Sasser had a poor performance in Cade's first game out, and had to miss yesterday's contest with a hip injury. That same injury kept him out for the first 23 games this season and this is terrible timing for it to return.
Marcus Sasser needs to play well in the next two weeks
Sasser hasn't played consistent minutes all season as he's slipped in the Pistons' guard rotation. Former two-way player Daniss Jenkins has now officially claimed the role of backup point guard (or starter when Cade is out). Sasser, despite having more experience on the team, has seen his role fluctuate more this season as he struggles to establish himself.
Regardless of exactly how long Cade is out, this upcoming stretch should've been a great opportunity for Sasser to earn himself some minutes and a spot in the playoff rotation. Instead, he had just 2 points on 1-of-5 shooting in Cade's first game out, then had to miss a game for his own injury.
Even with that hip injury potentially bothering him all season, Sasser has been one of the best shooters on the Pistons. Everyone knows that the Pistons are winning in spite of their lack of outside shooting, but Sasser is a rare Piston with the potential to address that flaw. He leads the team as a 41% shooter from deep, and is taking 3 threes per game in under 13 minutes per game.
But Sasser hasn't been able to secure a spot in the rotation due to his injury struggles and inconsistent play in other aspects. He's failed to develop his playmaking to the point of becoming a proper point guard, but his 6'1" frame limits him at the shooting guard spot too.
Time is running out for Marcus Sasser
The Pistons only have 13 regular season games left and Sasser is not guaranteed a significant role in the playoffs. Among the players on the current roster, he ranks just 13th in minutes per game. Considering that playoff rotations often don't extend past 8 or 9 guys, he'll be hard pressed to find postseason minutes unless injuries or foul trouble force JB Bickerstaff's hand.
The next few weeks without Cade are the best chance for Sasser to prove he belongs on the court in the biggest moments. Obviously he can't help it if an injury keeps him sidelined and he's unable to prove his worth, but Sasser needs to be at his best when he does play. Anything less can jeopardize his playing time this season and his future in Detroit.