Just two nights after scoring a career-high 12 points, Saben Lee turned in yet another memorable performance, this time in a winning effort over the Orlando Magic.
Lee produced a career-high 21 points, four assists, three rebounds and two steals to lead the Pistons to a 105-93 win to split a pair of road games in Orlando. He converted on 8-of-11 shots from the field, while draining all three of his 3-point attempts in 29 minutes of work.
“He is not your typical rookie,” Pistons head coach Dwane Casey said. “He came from a professional background, his dad went through the NFL so he has been around pro sports. He is not caught up in the bright, deer in the headlights-type of situation. He is not overwhelmed by the NBA or the excitement of the NBA. That in itself carries something. He is a very intelligent young man.”
With Delon Wright out at least two weeks with a groin strain, the Pistons have been forced to shuffle their point guard rotation. The team has started the newly-acquired Dennis Smith Jr. but Lee has flourished in two games off the bench.
The career night even earned Lee the game ball from his team.
“It was a great feeling, just having my teammates there congratulating me,” Lee said. “Coach Casey gave me the game ball so it was definitely a moment I’m going to remember and happy to experience.”
https://embed.sendtonews.com/oembed/?SC=9FzV5qO4UI-1169797-7498&format=json&offsetx=0&offsety=0&floatwidth=400&floatposition=bottom-right&float=on
The Pistons believe Lee can have a bright future with the team. Injuries have opened the door and the 38th overall pick certainly feels as though he can contribute at a high level. He had the luxury of learning from Derrick Rose this season, and is confident he can step in with Rose gone.
Detroit is certainly building toward the future and has shown its potential in spurts. The team may not be winning very many games, but the future of the team appears to be in good hands.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
[lawrence-related id=28353,27894,27834]
[listicle id=28048]