Marcus Sasser has been one of the few bright spots for the Detroit Pistons of late.
Though someone should tell his coach, as Sasser only recorded 10 minutes last night fresh off his best game of the season. He did net six points and four assists in those minutes, but also turned the ball over twice, which may be why he hit the bench. I'm just spitballing here, as I can't get into the mind of Monty Williams and some of his lineup decisions.
Sasser has his flaws: He takes bad shots at times and doesn't look to pass much. He's limited as a defender, though he does give effort there. But there is no denying he is one of, if not the best Pistons' shooter and that he should probably get more minutes.
He's nearing an elite shooting club for the season, which does have implications for the Pistons' future.
Marcus Sasser nearing the 50/40/90 club
Only eight players in NBA history have ever shot 50 percent from the floor, 40 percent from long range and 90 percent from the free-throw line, so it's no easy feat, even in today's hyper-offensive game.
Currently, Marcus Sasser is just a smidge below that, shooting 48.4 percent from the floor, 43.5 percent from 3-point range and 90.6 from the line, so he is just a few made shots away.
Regardless of what you think of his defense or passing, the kid can score, that much is obvious, which could make one trade deadline decision easier for the Pistons.
Does Sasser allow the Detroit Pistons to trade Alec Burks?
It's strange to me how we as fans always look to the next trade as soon as someone steps up, as if having too many good players is a bad thing.
But in the case of Burks, it makes sense. Both Sasser and Burks are shoot-first guards who can get their own shot or make them off the catch-and-shoot.
We've seen Burks get hot and keep the Pistons in games this season with his shooting, which Sasser did himself in the recent loss to the Clippers. You could argue that Sasser would have had more of these types of games this season had he been given the opportunity.
In a vacuum, keeping both of them around wouldn't be the worst thing, as teams always need shooting and bench players don't have to be elite on both ends of the floor.
But Burks is on an expiring contract, and there is no guarantee he has any interest in playing out the rest of his career on the worst team in the NBA.
If the Pistons think Sasser can replace most of Burks' shooting, then there is no reason to keep the veteran around at the trade deadline, not when he could walk for nothing at the end of the season.