The Detroit Pistons finally got their 11th win of the season over the reeling Toronto Raptors behind a huge night from Saddiq Bey.
Bey has been the model of consistency for a rookie, averaging 10.5 points and 4.4 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from long range.
It’s his shooting that has gotten the most attention, as Bey leads all rookies in 3-pointers made and is 5th in percentage overall even though he shoots far more of them than anyone ahead of him on the list.
If the 2020 Draft were held again today, Bey would certainly go a lot higher than the 19th pick, as he has proven himself to be at least an effective 3-and-D wing in the NBA and potentially much more.
Bey dropped to 6th on the Kia Rookie Ladder before his big performance in Toronto, but is still on his way to making history from the 3-point line.
Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey is joining the 3-point shooting record books
After last night’s 28 point, 12 rebound performance in which he nailed 6-of-10 from 3-point range, Saddiq Bey has now made 88 3-point shots in his first 40 games, which is 5th most in the history of the NBA.
This is even more impressive when you consider that Bey is not a high usage player, doesn’t take a ton of shots and is mostly doing this in a complementary role.
Dwane Casey had this to say after the win over Toronto:
"“That young man is already a solid pro and he’s just getting started,” Pistons coach Dwane Casey said. “He’s as strong as an ox and you can see what he’s doing with his jump shot. He’s going to be a star in this league for a long time.”"
Casey is not always the most effusive when it comes to praise, so this is a pretty big compliment coming from him.
Saddiq Bey just continues to get better, make Troy Weaver look like a genius and add his name to the record books when it comes to made 3-pointers.
He is having a special season that is going to end with his name etched in the history of shooting.