Last Updated on July 24, 2026 by Mat Diekhake

Saben Lee relies on blazing speed, relentless rim pressure, and energetic defense to make an impact whenever he steps onto the floor. The athletic guard has carved out NBA opportunities through his ability to push the pace, create offense off the dribble, and bring intensity as a spark plug in both starting and reserve roles.

Here’s the information about Saben Lee:

  • Full Name: Saben Anthonia Lee
  • Nationality: United States (Born in St. Louis, Missouri)
  • Number: 38 (Pistons), 9 (76ers), 38 (Suns)
  • Shoe Size: Size 11 (US)
  • Wingspan: 6’9″ (2.06 meters)
  • Weight: 183 pounds (83 kg)
  • Height: 6’2″ (1.88 meters)
  • Position: Point Guard
  • Draft: Selected 38th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Utah Jazz (traded to the Detroit Pistons)
  • DOB: Born on June 23, 1999
  • College: Vanderbilt University
  • High School: Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, Arizona
  • Hometown: Tempe, Arizona
  • Rings: 0 NBA Championships
  • Teams: Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns

Saben Lee’s player archetype is a speed-driven slashing point guard whose game is built around constant pressure on the rim. One of the quickest guards in the open floor, he accelerates past defenders, attacks gaps without hesitation, and creates offense by collapsing the defense rather than relying on perimeter shot creation. His athleticism also helps him stay disruptive at the point of attack, where he can generate steals and turn defense into transition opportunities. Outside shooting has been the swing skill throughout his career, but when Lee is able to push the pace, penetrate consistently, and play to his strengths, he brings an energetic change of tempo that can spark a second unit.

Scouting Report

Saben Lee plays like someone who views every possession as an opportunity to collapse the defense before it has time to get organized. His first step is the foundation of almost everything he does, but it’s the way he strings together changes of direction after beating the initial defender that creates real pressure. Instead of settling once he gets into the lane, he keeps probing until a help defender commits, opening up dump-off passes to bigs or kick-outs when the weak side pinches in. The interesting thing is that his speed often forces opponents to abandon their preferred coverages because going under screens simply gives him too much momentum attacking downhill, while aggressive hedges can leave gaps if the back line is late rotating. His jumper is capable enough to keep defenses honest, though it’s not the part of his game opponents fear most, and when the lane is crowded he can become overly dependent on trying to squeeze through traffic instead of resetting the offense. Defensively, that same quickness allows him to pressure ball handlers, fight over the top of screens and disrupt dribble rhythm, but his size creates difficult matchups against bigger guards who can create separation with strength rather than speed. To me, he’s most effective when the game is moving fast. Structured half-court possessions that ask him to patiently manipulate every read don’t maximize what he does best, whereas transition opportunities, empty-side pick-and-rolls and spread lineups give him the runway to turn a small advantage into a scrambling defense. That’s where his value becomes obvious. His style has similarities to Dennis Smith Jr. because of the relentless rim pressure, while there are flashes of Jordan Goodwin in the way he can influence games through pace and defensive activity, even though Lee leans more heavily on attacking off the dribble than physicality.

Notes:

  • Similar players to Saben Lee include Lou Williams and Jeff Teague.

Fun Facts

  • Saben Lee’s cousin is Trent Forrest, another NBA player who had played for the Utah Jazz and Atlanta Hawks.