Detroit Pistons Rookie Reveals Improvement Plan for Sophomore Effort

Last weekend, the Detroit Pistons wrapped up their regular season. Now looking ahead to next year, one of the team’s rookies is eager to improve on both ends of the floor.

Sunday marked the completion of Marcus Sasser’s first season in the NBA. After being acquired by the Pistons days after the draft, the sharpshooting guard proved to be a key contributor off the bench. Sasser ended the year with averages of 8.3 PPG, 1.8 RPG, and 3.3 APG. The 23-year-old was also shot well from deep, converting 37.5% of his attempts.

Following his exit interview, Sasser reflected on his first year in the league. He brought up the increased number of games being a major change of pace for him. Sasser also touched on how he wants to improve his shotmaking in the offseason.

"82 game season is a lot of games, different from college,” Sasser said. “Just my shotmaking ability, gotta improve on it, of course, and be more efficient. It wasn’t a big, big jump skill-wise. Players are smarter, faster, bigger."

Due to the increased athletic ability in the pros, Sasser is looking to bulk up more himself. He also mentioned he wants to add muscle over the summer so he can hold his own more on the defensive end.

"It was definitely different. You’re not just on the ball all the time,” he continued. “Gotta learn the tricks and stuff. Comes with experience and playing more. Gotta get stronger this summer so I can hold my own ground."

Overall, the Pistons should be pleased with what they saw from Sasser in his first year. Aside from what he already mentioned, developing as a playmaker should be a point of emphasis in the offseason. If he can tap into that area of his game more, Detroit might be able to use him as Cade Cunningham’s backup at point guard.