Marcus Sasser Nears Return as Pistons Weigh Backup Point Guard Options
When the Pistons tipped off their season in Detroit, Marcus Sasser was expected to take over as the team’s primary backup point guard-a role vacated when the team moved on from veteran Dennis Schroder in the offseason. But before Sasser could even get into rhythm, a lingering issue with his right hip surfaced during the preseason. That discomfort turned out to be a hip impingement, and just like that, the third-year guard was sidelined indefinitely.
Now, more than a month later, there’s finally movement. The Pistons announced Sunday that Sasser will begin his rehab assignment with their G-League affiliate, the Motor City Cruise. It’s a key step in his recovery, and if all goes according to plan-no setbacks, no complications-Sasser could be back in a Pistons jersey as early as next week.
We’ve seen this rehab route before. Just recently, both Jaden Ivey and Tobias Harris spent short stints with the Cruise to ramp up their workloads following lower-body injuries. Each returned to the NBA roster after only a few days, and the hope is that Sasser’s G-League assignment will be similarly brief.
In the meantime, the Pistons have had to get creative at the backup point guard spot-and Daniss Jenkins has made the most of the opportunity. The two-way player has stepped in with confidence, putting up over 20 points and seven assists per game in limited starts. He’s not just holding down the fort-he’s making a case for a more permanent role.
Jenkins has shown the kind of poise and production that teams dream of from a reserve guard. He’s played with pace, taken care of the ball, and provided a steady presence behind Cade Cunningham.
That’s exactly the role Sasser was projected to fill. But with Jenkins stepping up, the Pistons suddenly have a good problem on their hands: two young guards, both capable, both hungry, and only so many minutes to go around.
Head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has a reputation for giving players a fair shot to reclaim their roles after injury, and Sasser should get that same opportunity.
But make no mistake-he’ll have to earn it. Jenkins has been more consistent with the ball in his hands than Sasser has been in his young NBA career, and that matters in a rotation that’s still trying to find its identity.
The next checkpoint for Sasser comes Wednesday, when he’s expected to suit up for the Cruise in a home matchup against the Wisconsin Herd. It’s not just a rehab game-it’s the beginning of a battle for minutes in Detroit’s backcourt.
If Sasser looks sharp, the Pistons will have a decision to make. But if Jenkins keeps playing the way he has, Sasser’s path back into the rotation won’t be automatic. Either way, Detroit’s depth at guard is starting to look like a strength-and that’s a welcome development for a team still trying to build its foundation.