I would have liked to see a little more offense from Walker at Houston. He’s more defense than offense, but he’s also not quite a small-ball five or a big wing. He’s a long, powerful defensive-minded four who really improved in his senior year at IMG Academy. What you have to love from Indiana is adding two extra assets (in the future) while still getting their guy – though I might have preferred Taylor Hendricks here. Grade: A-
25. Detroit Pistons (via Grizzlies and Celtics): SG Marcus Sasser, Houston
The trade is that the Celtics, who acquired the pick in the Marcus Smart deal yesterday, are moving down to 31 for a future second. Detroit needs perimeter shooting and Sasser is a combo guard who can score. He could fit nicely next to Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. He’s also the kind of tough baller that Detroit wants. It’s interesting that Celtics traded this because they don’t add much. Grade: B
That’s kind of a weird analysis. I agree Marcus won’t be able to play as a traditional PG in the NBA so will either need to play with a big PG who can match up with wings on D (which Detroit actually has) or like a Jokic, Sengun, Sabonis, type Center who can initiate half court offense from the high post.
But I don’t get the hunted on D line at all. He’s got a 6’7" wing span and a very strong compact body otherwise with great lateral movement and instincts. As he develops he should be able to really irritate the Curry/Dame type PGs and passably hold his own in switches up to a certain point.
I read that as meaning that opposing defenses would try to get the ball into his hands because they don’t think he can do much with the ball. I could be wrong, though - I assumed his defense was viewed as a plus.
Agree, though I would add that a critique of his vision is based on limited data. He wasn’t asked to play that role much. Maybe he becomes a true point guard, if that is a thing going forward in the NBA.
