Mavericks' lack of shot creation finally gives Marcus Sasser a chance to shine

Through the first three years of his career with the Detroit Pistons, Marcus Sasser didn't have much of a chance to spread his wings. He played just 15.8 minutes per game as a Piston, and even with their need for 3-point shooting, he played just 12.0 minutes per game last season despite shooting over 40 percent from three.

Marcus Sasser could solve one of Dallas' problems

Sasser hasn’t had a big role since being drafted in the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, but Dallas’ need for playmaking and shot creation should change that. Outside of Irving and Cooper Flagg, the Mavs are limited for players who can score in isolation and create their own shot. This puts enormous pressure on Flagg and Irving, but Sasser can be the release valve they need when he's on the floor.

The Mavericks’ offense was horrendous last year. They ranked 27th in the NBA, scoring just 110.3 points per 100 possessions. Only the Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, and Brooklyn Nets were worse.

Dallas has done a good job of retooling the roster around Flagg through free agency, trades, and the draft, and Sasser’s game should be an ideal fit as they search for answers to fix their shot creation and playmaking.

Why Sasser is primed for a bigger role

It has always seemed like Sasser needed a bigger opportunity, as he typically produced when he checked into the game for Detroit. His ability to create his own shot at all three levels, knock down open shots on the perimeter, and provide energy off the bench will be welcomed in Dallas, and could help him earn a significant role right away.

His lethal shooting off the catch forces defense to defend him tightly, allowing him to get downhill easier when defenders gamble on him. He then uses his smooth handle to get all the way to the rim, score with a pull-up jumper or floater, or even step back and let it fly from beyond the arc.

The Mavericks don’t have much guard depth behind Kyrie Irving, meaning Sasser could earn the backup point guard role behind him with a solid training camp and preseason. There aren't many players like Sasser on the roster, and his unique skill set sets him apart from some of the other guards on the team. This is why he could finally have the chance to show off the potential that helped him get drafted in the first round three years ago.

The battle between De Larrea and Sasser

The backup point guard role will likely come down to Sasser and Sergio De Larrea, and with Sasser having three years of experience, he could have the early edge. De Larrea hasn’t played an NBA minute yet after getting drafted in the first round earlier this summer, and after seeing how poorly he shot from long range during Summer League, Sasser could be the better fit.

De Larrea also isn't a great shot creator, as his lack of burst makes it difficult for him to score off the bounce. Mavericks fans saw this during Summer League, and some of the struggles that were under a microscope in Las Vegas could be even more glaring as he begins his rookie year. His passing is elite already, but if the Mavs want surefire shooting and creation, Sasser is the stronger option.

Sasser has a chance to prove he belongs

Many Mavericks fans haven't been very happy with the way the team handled its need for more guard depth, but Sasser has the chance to silence these concerns with a strong start to the season. His unique archetype should make him someone who Dusty May relies upon for scoring off the bench. Dallas' situation could give him a chance to prove that he belongs in an NBA rotation, something he didn't consistently get to do in Detroit.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow