Marcus Sasser is already emerging as a much-needed weapon for the Mavericks

Not many things went right in the Dallas Mavericks' 128-110 season-opening drubbing against the Houston Rockets. Dallas' offensive flaws from a season ago were still wildly evident, and its revamped defense didn't deter the Rockets much. Yet, as for the bright spots, aside from Cooper Flagg, low-key offseason addition Marcus Sasser almost immediately showed why he could be an important piece for this team.

Sasser scored 17 points on 6-of-8 shooting and, perhaps most importantly, went 4-of-5 from beyond the arc. He was the lone Maverick to convert more than two 3-pointers and was also one of the few Mavs who could score off the bounce. Even in just 24 minutes, Sasser finished with a plus/minus of zero in an 18-point loss. Not half bad.

Marcus Sasser gives the Mavericks a much-needed offensive weapon

Going into the season, Dallas' lack of off-the-bounce scorers was noticeable, but it wasn't necessarily pressing. Yet, now that an actual game has been played, it's already a pressing need. Beyond Flagg, Kyrie Irving (who's still rounding into form), and maybe Naji Marshall, Dallas is devoid of players who can consistently create their own offense. And if we're talking players who can create their own shots from beyond the arc, that list dwindles to Irving.

At least, that's how it seemed. But after the season opener, we now know Sasser can be lumped into the mix, too. While the 6-foot-1 guard was basically a throw-in in the massive six-team trade that sent him from Detroit to Dallas, he's already made a case as the Mavericks' most impactful offseason addition.

Of course, Santi Aldama, who came over from Memphis in that same trade, is the more established player. He didn't play in the opener, though, and might be out for a few more games.

Even then, it's just that Aldama doesn't offer quite as much as an off-the-dribble offensive weapon or as a knockdown shooter. He can do a bit of both, but again, he's a 7-footer and a career 34.6 percent shooter from beyond the arc. So, he doesn't offer the same nimble ball-handling ability or spot-up marksmanship that Sasser brings to the table.

Dallas needs Sasser to keep delivering

We knew Sasser would be counted on to bolster the Mavericks' thin guard depth. With Brandon Williams and Ryan Nembhard moving on in the summer and Irving still recovering from an ACL injury, Dallas' backcourt essentially began the campaign depleted. Only rookie Sergio de Larrea joined the fold alongside Sasser, and the 20-year-old had never stepped on an NBA floor before opening night.

Thus, Sasser was always going to be utilized. The question, however, was how much of an impact he could make.

And, following Dallas' opening-night defeat, the answer is evident. The Mavericks need Sasser. Dallas badly needs his shooting and ball-handling ability, which is why he played half the game. Even better, he made the most of that opportunity, dropping those 17 points and knocking down four 3-pointers.

From an underrated offseason pickup to the Mavericks' second-leading scorer on opening night, it's been quite the whirlwind for the even-keeled Sasser. But his story in Dallas is only getting started. Sasser will be an important piece of the Mavericks' rotation going forward, and his shooting will certainly be heavily relied upon.

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