2020 NBA Draft prospect Saddiq Be could be the wing the New Orleans Pelicans need.
The New Orleans Pelicans have a lot of options in the 2020 NBA Draft, including wing prospect Saddiq Bey from Villanova.
Bey is a popular name for the New Orleans Pelicans in this NBA Draft, as he seemingly fits one of their biggest needs, which is to get some size and defense on the wing.
This draft is going to be one of the wildest in memory, as teams didn’t get to see much of these players and have had less time to scout them, which may lead to a record number of draft-day trades.
It could also lead to some of the best players in this draft being overlooked, undervalued and passed over, which could be a boon for the Pelicans, who have the 13th pick and are hoping some top talent falls.
One such talent could be Saddiq Bey, a 6-foot-8 wing out of Villanova who some are predicting will be the best player in the draft.
With wings more valued than ever, Bey may end up being drafted before the Pelicans get a shot at him, but if he falls, there is probably a fit.
Bey has a versatile game that appears tailor-made for the modern game, but he also has some flaws that could slow him down at the next level.
Let’s take a look at Saddiq Bey’s strengths and weaknesses, as well as how he might fit in the New Orleans Pelicans’ rotation in 2020 and beyond.
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Saddiq Bey could be the draft’s best wing
Saddiq Bey’s Strengths
If you are looking for the prototypical 3-and-D wing, then Saddiq Bey is probably your guy.
You won’t find many other prospects that better fit the profile of what teams want out of a modern wing, which is a guy who can defend and knock down open 3-point shots.
Bey can definitely do both, as he started as a defensive/rebounding specialist for Villanova his freshman year, then added an accurate 3-point shot in his second season.
Bey profiles as a potentially elite defender, a guy who can guard at least three spots. Here is what Villanova assistant Kyle Neptune had to say to NBA.com:
"“But defensively … he guarded everybody. As assistants we did the [opponent] scouts and we always tried to match up with the other team’s best player. Who should be guarding this guy? And it was always Saddiq. If it was the point guard, Saddiq would guard him. If it was a two or three man, Saddiq would guard them. If the best player was a four man, Saddiq would guard him, too.”"
Neptune went on to call him the perfect wing for what the NBA is doing now, high praise from a program that has produced a lot of NBA players lately, including Josh Hart of the New Orleans Pelicans.
In addition to being a great defender, Bey can shoot the rock. He shot 45.1 percent from 3-point range on 5.6 attempts per game, numbers that should translate to the next level.
Bey improved his shooting dramatically in between his two college seasons and is known as a gym rat who works hard to improve and takes coaching well. Bey is a smart player who thanked his professors on the way out of Villanova, something you don’t often see.
Here he is talking about his improved shot and then breaking down some film:
Bey has a nice looking release and NBA range, as well as the confidence to take contested catch-and-shoot 3-pointers.
If Bey gets run off the 3-point line he can use the dribble to make space and get his shot in the mid-range. He’s not just a stationary shooter, Bey has the ball handling and touch to get buckets from all over the floor.
He’s also a decisive passer and has good handles, so he can eventually be a guy who initiates the offense in the pick-and-roll. Villanova stresses ball movement and quick decisions and Bey was very good about keeping the ball moving and finding open shooters and cutters.
A 6-foot-8 wing who can defend, pass and shoot? Sounds like a top-five pick, so why do most mock drafts have him falling?
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Saddiq Bey is a top wing prospect
Saddiq Bey’s Weaknesses
With so many positives it is hard to see the downside with Saddiq Bey, but he does have some concerns.
He only averaged 4.7 rebounds per game in college, which is not great for a guy of his size. There are 6-foot-8 players who dominate the boards in college, so Bey will have to improve, especially on the defensive end where rebounds close out possessions.
At his size, Bey could be a weapon on the boards, especially if he is defending guards or smaller players.
Another knock on Bey is that he is not an elite athlete. He’s not a guy who is going to soar through the air for highlight dunks, but instead uses his strength, smarts and positioning to defend and get where he wants on offense.
Some have also pointed to Bey’s lack of steals and blocks, but don’t that fool you. Bey is a solid defender who does not gamble on risky steals but instead stays at home and makes the offensive player earn it.
Bey doesn’t have a lot of glaring weaknesses as a prospect and is going to play right away in the NBA, but will it be for the New Orleans Pelicans?
New Orleans Pelicans NBA Draft: Saddiq Bey’s fit
How Bey fits on the Pelicans
One of the Pelicans’ offseason needs is to get some size and depth at the forward position.
They basically don’t have a true backup for Brandon Ingram and Nicolo Melli is the only backup power forward and he can’t guard anyone.
The Pels got destroyed by big wings this season, so it makes sense that they find a wing who has some size and can defend multiple positions.
Enter Saddiq Bey.
If this wing could also knock down open shots and occasionally create for his teammates that would be even better.
Enter Saddiq Bey.
If this wing was also a smart, versatile, competitive and selfless player who will buy into the team concept and not sulk if he doesn’t get shots, that would be even better.
Enter Saddiq Bey.
There really isn’t a box that Bey doesn’t check when it comes to fit with the New Orleans Pelicans. He could play backup small forward with the second unit, run with B.I. and the starters in small ball lineups or even play the two if they wanted to go big.
Bey is a smart player who comes out of a school that plays an NBA style and has produced some really good players over the last several years.
If the Pelicans get a chance to add another player from Villanova, they should do it, as Saddiq Bey may end up being the best player in this draft and is a great fit on the Pelicans.