Detroit Pistons: Early player comparisons for the Pistons’ rookies

Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey could be an All-Star talent

Saddiq Bey reminds me of a young Metta World Peace

Probably not the comp Pistons’ fans wanted to hear, but before Metta World Peace (then Ron Artest) became known for the Malice in the Palace, he was one of the best all-around forwards in the league.

Artest was a talented and driven defender who could guard just about anyone from the other team’s point guard to center.

He wasn’t a great shooter like Bey appears to be, but World Peace did put up a season of over 40 percent from long range and was really one of the first 3-and-D type wings that the entire league now covets.

World Peace averaged 12 points and 4.3 rebounds as a rookie. Currently, Saddiq Bey is 10.4 points and 4.9 rebounds while shooting  45.7 percent from 3-point range.

Bey is already a better shooter than World Peace ever was and has shown signs of being an elite defender who can guard just about anyone.

People tend to forget just how good Metta World Peace was. In 2004-5 he averaged 24.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and was arguably the best wing defender in the league.

If Bey ever gets close to that the Pistons will be ecstatic but he is already a better shooter and is two inches taller than World Peace, so he has a chance to get there on defense as well.

The Detroit Pistons have to be happy with their trio of rookies even with the devastating injury. If finally looks like the Pistons are turning things around and doing it the right way.