Over the years, the Detroit Pistons have had their fair share of “hidden gems,” players who were essential but who received little recognition from other teams in the league.

Individuals such as Lindsey Hunter and Vinnie Johnson, who were integral members of winning teams but did not always receive the recognition of their elite teammates, quickly stand out.

Simone Fontecchio, a role player with a team-friendly contract who has previously demonstrated his ability to play, might be another one that Detroit has in the works.

In a recent Bleacher Report piece about the NBA’s “hidden gems,” I was expecting to see Fontecchio’s name, but I was taken aback to see guard Marcus Sasser instead.

Is Marcus Sasser going to be an important member of the Detroit Pistons?

Sasser’s first-year campaign might be divided into two categories: The initial half of the season was when he was unstoppable and had a chance to become the first rookie to ever be in the 50/40/90 club.

In the second half, Sasser’s overall stats were submerged due to a protracted shooting slump that followed his All-Star break. He was unable to catch a falling object.

Even though it doesn’t mean much, he was still among the Pistons’ greatest 3-point shooters, and he at least made an attempt to be considered for the starting guard position come playoff time.

But will he really be?

His lack of ability to play point guard and the acquisition of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Malik Beasley as veterans won’t assist his case. Sasser will have to buck the trend of lengthy, two-way wings since the league isn’t overflowing with 6-foot-2 gunners.’

Given that the Pistons don’t really have a backup point guard, he might get some action, but he would need to significantly improve since he was most effective while creating plays for himself rather than his teammates.

Sasser must also develop into more than just a defensive nuisance. He was a competent on-the-ball player last season, but he needs to prove he can harass ballhandlers and be a player who can contribute to the offense in order to earn a spot in the guard rotation.

Though he may be buried early in the depth chart, he will have an opportunity to shoot his way out and defend.

Is Sasser a “hidden gem” who has the potential to be an off-the-bench 6th Man of the Year? An additional Lindsey Hunter? One more Johnson Microwave? While I wouldn’t rule it out, I also wouldn’t rule out Sasser joining another team at the end of the following campaign.

Due to a sprained knee, Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua will be placed on injured reserve.

Coach Sean McVay announced on Monday that Rams receiver Puka Nacua, who sprained his knee during the team’s season-opening overtime loss to the Detroit Lions, will be placed on injured reserve.

In the second quarter of Sunday’s 26-20 defeat to Detroit, Nacua sprained his right posterior cruciate ligament, exacerbating an injury he first sustained in August during a joint practice with the Chargers, according to head coach Sean McVay. Nacua will miss at least the next four games after going on injured reserve.

During a video conference with reporters, McVay stated, “I’m bummed out for the person, more importantly, and it’s unfortunate for him.”

According to McVay, offensive linemen Steve Avila, who sprained his medial collateral ligament against the Lions, and Joe Noteboom, who injured his ankle, could be placed on injured reserve. Kevin Dotson, the right guard, sustained a lateral ankle injury and is expected to remain sidelined, according to McVay. He exited the Ford Field locker room on crutches and with his left foot and ankle in a protective boot. Additionally, cornerback Cobie Durant (toe) is questionable.

Rob Havenstein, a right lineman who missed the Lions game due to an ankle issue he sustained early in training camp, will be evaluated once more this week during practice, according to McVay. Alaric Jackson, the left lineman, is serving a two-game ban for breaking the NFL’s personal conduct rules, therefore he is not allowed to play against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday.

During their epic Super Bowl hangover in 2022, the Rams had a similar wave of injuries. According to McVay, the Rams “would not go down that road” of justifications.

McVay declared, “I’ll tell you what we’re not going to do: we’re not going to pout or say [woe] is me.” “We will prepare the next player for action, bring in some fresh personnel, and we will be appreciative when the injured players return.

However, the league is still in motion. And dealing with some of these ailments is an unappreciated task.

In the second quarter, Nacua was hurt while making a third-down catch. Unsteady on his feet, he was evaluated in the medical tent located on the sidelines. Before being ruled out at halftime, Nacua made a comeback to the game. With four catches for 35 yards, he finished. And he scored seven yards on a rush.

Nacua, who had a record-breaking first season and appeared to have healed from the injuries he sustained against the Chargers, experienced yet another setback. That day, while trying to make a contested grab in the end zone, Nacua went hard to the ground. With an ice pack applied to his right knee, he watched the latter part of the workout from the sidelines.

The absence of Nacua will be partially filled by Jordan Whittington, Tyler Johnson, and Tutu Atwell, a rookie.

Star receiver Cooper Kupp was forced to start the previous season on injured reserve due to a hamstring ailment, which prevented McVay from taking advantage of matching him with Nacua. McVay finds himself in a similar scenario after only one game this season.

“You have some continuity with that group, which is different from last year because Cooper was out for most of it,” McVay remarked. “We have depth, but this is a little different.”