Tag: Marcus Sasser

‘I’m proud of him’: Pistons’ Marcus Sasser impresses on career night

Marcus Sasser is one of two rookies with multiple 20-point games this season for the Pistons.

With Detroit Pistons down several players, rookie Marcus Sasser stepped up and produced his best performance on Wednesday in a loss to the Milwaukee Bucks.

Sasser recorded 26 points, six rebounds, two assists and one steal in the 120-118 loss on the road. He scored 22 points in the second half and finished 11-of-17 from the field, including 3-of-7 from 3-point range, in 28 minutes off the bench.

He had everything working, from his 3-point shot to his floaters to his midrange shot. The effort was precisely what attracted the Pistons to select him with the 25th pick, coach Monty Williams said.

His handle, his courageousness, his shiftiness — the floaters, the jump shots off the dribble — is something we saw in him in the draft process, and if you look at his college footage, that is what he does. (Pistons general manager) Troy (Weaver) said in the preseason that he is just going to find his way on the floor, and he has. I’m proud of him.

Sasser played a minor role with the Pistons to start the year but has forced Williams’ hand and is playing more minutes of late. He has given the team a shooting presence and, on the other side, often picks up full court and is a pest on defense.

Once the first 3-pointer went in to start the third quarter, Sasser knew he could be in store for a big night. He made nine of his 13 shot attempts in the second half.

“It kind of just felt good,” Sasser said. “Just going out there at halftime trying to break a sweat and practice my game shots that I know I’m going to get, so really just being prepared. (I was) in the zone, and my teammates did a good job of finding me when I was open.”

Sasser is one of two rookies with multiple 20-point games this year (Victor Wembanyana, San Antonio Spurs). He is averaging 10.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists in nine games on 50% shooting (17-of-34) from 3-point range.

The performance was likely a preview of the type of production Sasser can bring nightly. He believes it was possible thanks to the coaching staff and his teammates.

“They be telling me every time I go out there to be aggressive,” Sasser said. “I’m aggressive in practice, so they just want to see me do the same thing in the game. When they give me confidence like that, it also gives myself the confidence to go out there and be aggressive.”

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Draymond Green explains why Wemby, Thompson twins are unique rookies

The former Defensive Player of the Year is excited to watch the incoming rookie class play this season.

The NBA season is underway, and the incoming rookie class has already produced some strong performances through the first half-dozen games.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has looked the part of a generational player, while another 7-footer, Oklahoma City forward Chet Holmgren, is finding early success. Other first-year players have also found their way with outstanding performances, too.

Draymond Green likes what he is seeing from the group.

Green and the Golden State Warriors have already faced some of the top rookies this season: Holmgren, Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson, and Detroit Pistons guards Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser.

He believes it is a unique group of players this year.

When you look at this rookie class, it doesn’t really look like a rookie class. Even our two rookies (Brandin Podziemski and Trayce Jackson-Davis), if you put those guys in the game, they don’t make mistakes that rookies make. It is the same thing for the Thompson twins and Wemby. You start to look down at the list and even Marcus Sasser — they don’t look like rookies. I think it’s an incredible class.

Green even joked that the arrival of the Wembanyama and the Thompson twins in the league would make it harder for him to earn a place on an All-Defensive team this season based on their effectiveness on that end of the court.

The three players have been, perhaps, the top defenders from the class in the early going. Of course, Wembanyama has the size to defend the paint and the athleticism to close out on the 3-point line. The Thompson twins have dazzled as on-ball and weak-side defenders.

The art of defending, Green believes, is a bit rare now for first-year players coming into the league. He is excited to see that change with this group entering the league.

“I’m happy to see young guys coming into this league taking on the challenge of defending,” Green said. “So many young guys come into this league (looking to) score; it’s all about scoring: ‘How can I get my shot off?’ It is such the wrong mindset to come in with. It is good to see these guys come in with a different mindset.”

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Rookie Power Rankings: Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren dazzle to start the season

Rookie Wire took a look at the top first-year players over the first two weeks of the 2023-24 season.

The NBA season is underway as players and teams around the league begin to settle in on the court with over a half-dozen games under their belts.

The early action has already provided several notable performances and other highlights from the best players in the game. With a talented group of rookies entering the league, there have also been incredible efforts from the incoming class.

No. 1 pick Victor Wembanyama has looked the part of a generational player, while another 7-footer, Chet Holmgren, is also finding early success. Of course, other first-year players have also started off hot with great performances of their own.

To make sense of it all, we looked at the best recent performances of these first-year players and ranked them in the Rookie Wire Power Rankings. The rankings are not for Rookie of the Year purposes but to illustrate the best players week to week.

Pistons’ Monty Williams credits Marcus Sasser for playing with toughness

Marcus Sasser logged fewer than 11 minutes on Wednesday, but coach Monty Williams wishes the 25th pick could have played longer.

Marcus Sasser logged fewer than 11 minutes on Wednesday, but Detroit Pistons head coach Monty Williams wishes the 25th pick had played longer in his debut against the Miami Heat.

Cade Cunningham returned after missing most of last season and produced 30 points and nine assists to lead the Pistons in the 103-102 loss. Sasser contributed eight points, two rebounds and one assist on 3-of-4 shooting from the field.

Sasser knocked down a couple of 3s in the contest and had a strong drive to score his points. He had a productive outing in a limited sample size, which prompted Williams to give him some praise, according to James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Sasser impressed the Pistons throughout training camp and previously earned praise from Williams. He stood out in their practice sessions for his willingness to compete and defend at a high level, and likely earned some more playing time following his latest effort.

He’ll almost assuredly play more than 11 minutes on Friday in Charlotte.

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Magic rookie Jett Howard among four players signed to Jordan Brand

Magic forward Jett Howard is among four first-round picks to sign a mulityear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Jordan Brand.

Orlando Magic forward Jett Howard is among four first-round picks to sign a multiyear shoe and apparel endorsement contract with Jordan Brand, according to Nick DePaula of Boardroom.

Joining Howard are Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr., Houston Rockets forward Cam Whitmore and Detroit Pistons guard Marcus Sasser. The four players previously played at either Jordan Brand-endorsed college or AAU programs.

They join a star-studded roster signed to Jordan Brand, including signature athletes Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Boston Celtics guard Jayson Tatum and New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson.

Several other players from the incoming rookie class have also signed with companies. Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller have signed on with Nike, Scoot Henderson previously joined PUMA, and Gradey Dick and Jalen Hood-Schifino inked with Adidas.

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Monty Williams offers praise to Marcus Sasser: He plays with a great edge

Sasser had 12 of his 17 total points in the fourth quarter to lead the Pistons to a comeback win over the Thunder.

Preseason or not, Monty Williams praised the Detroit Pistons on Thursday after mounting a 21-point second-half comeback to defeat the Oklahoma City Thunder in Montreal.

Rookie Marcus Sasser helped lead the charge, too.

The Pistons saw their largest deficit of the evening early in the third quarter. They managed to cut it to 12 points entering the final frame when each team mostly opted to rest their starters, clearing the way for Sasser & Co. to go to work.

Sasser responded by producing 12 of his 17 total points in the fourth quarter en route to the 128-125 victory. He added eight assists and five rebounds as the Pistons improved to 1-1 in the preseason.

Williams liked the effort, via James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

He had his shot working, dropping in three 3s in the contest, and found success getting into the paint and finishing at the rim with his athleticism and shiftiness. His penetration also allowed him to get others involved for easy looks.

The effort by Sasser was evident as the 25th pick was seemingly everywhere on the court. He affected the game on both ends and was a key reason the Pistons won.

Williams was proud to see how the Pistons responded after trailing by over 20 points early in the third quarter. The veteran coach is attempting to change the culture in Detroit, and that win certainly showed how the team can respond to adversity.

With Sasser now in the picture, along with Cade Cunningham, Isaiah Stewart, Jaden Ivey, Ausar Thompson and others, the Pistons appear poised to improve upon their league-worst record from a year ago.

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NBA 2K24: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday.

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday across all platforms around the world.

The latest installment of NBA 2K features three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, also allows for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, many are curious to see how the rookie class would be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, previously revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year. With the game officially available for purchase around the world, the grades for each rookie have been unveiled.

Here are the ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Pistons’ Marcus Sasser drops NBA Summer League-high 40 points in finale

Sasser dropped 40 points on Sunday, the most scored in a single game this year in Las Vegas.

Marcus Sasser saved his best performance for his last game in the NBA Summer League to lead the Detroit Pistons to a 100-85 win over the Indiana Pacers in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Sasser dropped 40 points, five assists, three rebounds, one steal and one block in nearly 30 minutes of action. His 40 points were the most scored in a single game in Las Vegas and trailed only Keegan Murray’s 41 points in the California Classic for the most this summer.

He went 16-of-25 from the field and 5-of-9 from 3-point range.

The 25th pick proved dominant at times on the court and simply overpowered the Pacers’ defenders. He had 31 points in the second half and had little resistance getting into the paint. He was efficient from beyond the arc and even mixed in some mid-range shots.

Sasser struggled some over his first four games with the Pistons. He totaled 38 points over those outings before his 40-point explosion, shooting only 37.2% from the field. But the 22-year-old bounced back on Sunday and had the top performance in the desert.

He showed off his complete arsenal versus the Pacers and looked to be in complete control. The effort offered a glimpse of what he can give the Pistons on a nightly basis, from his dynamic scoring ability to his defensive activity.

The Pistons got some strong performances from their young players and look to be in store for an improved season with a healthy lineup and a new coach in Monty Williams.

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2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

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The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

Chicago Bulls NBA Draft Watch: Marcus Sasser should be trade target

If the Chicago Bulls were to trade into the 2023 NBA Draft, Marcus Sasser should be a top trade target.

After the Ping-Pong balls didn’t fall their way at the NBA Draft Lottery, the Chicago Bulls‘ officially lost all of their picks in the 2023 NBA Draft. Their first-round pick belongs to the Orlando Magic via the Nikola Vucevic trade, and the NBA stripped them of their second-round pick after they concluded Chicago broke tampering rules when signing Lonzo Ball.

There has still been plenty of buzz surrounding Chicago’s involvement in the draft. They have been interviewing some of the top prospects, and there’s always a chance they trade up to select someone. However, barring a blockbuster deal that sees them land a lottery pick, they should eye one player projected in the second round.

Marcus Sasser is the perfect player for the Bulls. He’s projected to go in the early-to-middle stages of the second round, making a potential trade very doable for Chicago.

The 6-foot-1 point guard has a 6-foot-7 wingspan and spent four years at Houston. In his senior season, he averaged 16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game on 42.8 percent shooting from the field and 38.4 percent shooting from behind the three-point line.

Chicago needs point guard options, and Sasser’s mix of tough defense and solid three-point shooting make him the perfect choice, regardless of his age.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer compares Sasser to Lindsey Hunter and Eddie House, listing his best attributes as his pull-up threat, float game, and, quote, “got that dog in him.”

Sasser isn’t a pure point guard and could thrive in a secondary role while in the NBA. O’Connor states that he will need to “embrace his inner Patrick Beverley in the NBA,” which makes Chicago the perfect landing spot, as Beverley could mentor him.

If the Bulls were to trade up, Sasser should be a top target.

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