Since the 2008-09 season, the Detroit Pistons have played 37 rookies. Saben Lee, a 38th overall pick forced to play on a two-way contract, played more minutes than just 12 of those rookies. Not bad for an unheralded rookie who many expected to go undrafted.
The Good
Lee has plenty to develop as a young player, but the most impressive thing about his rookie season was that he never really seemed like he didn’t belong on the floor. Lee never shrank from the moment or looked overwhelmed when asked to run the offense. The results were not always great, but Lee showed on tape he is worth investing plenty of time, minutes and a multi-year guaranteed contract in the offseason.