The Detroit Pistons are enduring a difficult six-game stretch that began with a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, where they struggled to generate quality shots against Victor Wembanyama’s defense. This performance raised concerns about how Detroit’s offense will fare against tougher playoff-caliber defenses. While no team faces an all-time defender like Wembanyama, the Pistons’ offensive issues have become increasingly apparent this season.
Currently, Detroit relies heavily on Duncan Robinson for outside shooting and Cade Cunningham for creating scoring opportunities. This limited offensive diversity has contributed to the team ranking 18th in the NBA for half-court offense, according to Cleaning the Glass. With the playoffs tending to slow the pace and emphasize half-court sets, this is a significant obstacle for Detroit’s postseason prospects.
Marcus Sasser Offers Potential to Enhance Shooting and Playmaking
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff might address these offensive challenges by incorporating players who prioritize scoring, such as Marcus Sasser, who has seen limited playing time this season. Once overshadowed by Daniss Jenkins’s rise and Caris LeVert’s arrival, Sasser fell out of Bickerstaff’s rotation largely due to the coach’s emphasis on defensive toughness. While that defensive focus helped build Detroit’s identity, the team now requires more consistent shot creation and shooting, areas where Sasser excels.
Sasser, in his third NBA season, has proven to be a reliable shooter, boasting a career three-point shooting percentage of 38.2%. This year, although playing sparingly, he is shooting over 42% from beyond the arc. What distinguishes him is his ability to knock down off-the-dribble threes and operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations, capitalizing on defenses that retreat too far. Additionally, Sasser’s solid passing skills could make him a useful playmaker when Cade Cunningham is resting.
Utilizing Sasser Could Address the Pistons’ Struggles from Deep
In a season where Detroit’s three-point shooting ranks among the league’s worst, benching one of their few consistent shooters is puzzling. The Pistons have shot just 20% from three-point range in two of their last five games and remain near the bottom in both three-point attempts and accuracy. This combination is atypical for teams considered playoff contenders, especially those leading their conference like Detroit.
Given their strong position atop the Eastern Conference standings, the Pistons could benefit from experimenting with giving Sasser around 15 minutes off the bench. Increasing his role might help improve spacing and generate more efficient scoring opportunities. Whether Bickerstaff decides to make this adjustment remains uncertain, but the potential upside could prove valuable as Detroit looks to bolster its offense for the playoff push.
