Injuries have plagued the Detroit Pistons this season, but the standout performances of rookies Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser have been the most notable aspect of the team's first month. Find out how Thompson and Sasser have been making waves in the NBA with their impressive stats and contributions to the Pistons.
Impressive Performances of Ausar Thompson
Discover the outstanding performances of rookie Ausar Thompson for the Detroit Pistons.
Ausar Thompson, despite being limited to only four games due to injury, has made a significant impact for the Detroit Pistons. His defensive prowess has been particularly impressive, with 13 steals and 19 blocks in his first 10 games. These numbers haven't been seen since Marcus Camby's 1996-97 season.
Thompson's defensive skills are complemented by his offensive contributions. He ranks second in offensive rebounds and is the first player since Elton Brand in the 1999-2000 season to record 40 offensive rebounds in his first 10 career games.
Marcus Sasser's Versatility on Both Ends
Explore the versatility of rookie Marcus Sasser and his impact on both ends of the court for the Detroit Pistons.
Marcus Sasser has been a solid contributor for the Detroit Pistons, showcasing his skills on both offense and defense. As a primary defender, he has held star players such as Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, LaMelo Ball, and Kevin Durant to a combined 3 of 15 shooting.
Offensively, Sasser has displayed a strong perimeter shooting game and a terrific floater in the paint. Despite a recent slump in 3-point shooting, he maintains an overall shooting percentage of 46.9% and a 3-point shooting percentage of 38.8%. Additionally, Sasser has been efficient in taking care of the ball, accumulating 35 assists compared to just nine turnovers. His contributions extend to the defensive end as well, with 10 steals recorded.
Marvin Bagley III's Improved Free-Throw Shooting
Learn about Marvin Bagley III's exceptional free-throw shooting performance for the Detroit Pistons.
Marvin Bagley III, known for his below-average free-throw shooting throughout his NBA career, has shown significant improvement this season. He has made 34 of 37 free throws, shooting at an impressive 91.9% clip. Among players with at least 35 free throws attempted this season, Bagley ranks seventh in the NBA in free-throw accuracy.
Continuing the Pistons' All-Rookie Tradition
Discover the possibility of Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser continuing the Detroit Pistons' All-Rookie tradition.
The Detroit Pistons have had representation on the NBA's All-Rookie teams for the past three years, and there is a good chance that Ausar Thompson and Marcus Sasser will continue this streak in 2024. Their standout performances and contributions to the team make them strong contenders for this prestigious recognition.
