The Detroit Pistons have a trio of promising rookies that have fans excited about the future.
Saddiq Bey, Isaiah Stewart and Killian Hayes have all shown flashes of big potential, and in the cases of Bey and Stewart, that potential could be rewarded with a spot on the All-Rookie team.
I’d say that both Bey and Stewart are locks to make the team, but will they be among the best five rookies this season?
Bey has been hovering around the 5th spot on the Kia Rookie Ladder for most of the season and Stewart joined him a few weeks ago after his strong defense, rebounding and improved shooting starting getting some national attention.
Both were in the spotlight for the Pistons last night, as Bey notched 18 points and seven rebounds against the Thunder while Beef Stew scored 15 and pulled down 21 boards while adding two blocks.
Bey and Stewart continue to excite fans of the Detroit Pistons, but will they be acknowledged with spots on the All-Rookie first team?
Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey’s case for first-team All-Rookie
Saddiq Bey has been one of the top-five rookies this season by almost any measure. He has already broken the Pistons’ rookie record for 3-point makes and has his eyes on the All-Time rookie record which is well within his reach.
Bey is 6th in scoring, just outside of the top-ten in rebounds and has the highest 3-point percentage of any rookie who is shooting at least six of them a game.
He has also played tough defense all over the floor, logged a ton of minutes and looked like a ten-year veteran in the process.
Only Anthony Edwards has been better as a rookie small forward, so Bey should make the first-team All-Rookie.
Detroit Pistons: Isaiah Stewart’s case for first-team All-Rookie
The center position for the All-Rookie team was James Wiseman’s to lose this season. He got more hype, was on the better team and probably should have been the best rookie center this season.
Someone forgot to tell Beef Stew, who is playing like he should have been the one chosen second overall, not Wiseman.
Stewart is leading all rookies in rebounds, blocked shots and field goal percentage. He has defended everyone who has come near him, played with a huge motor and has even started adding a 3-point shot to his arsenal.
If Stewart plays near this level for the rest of the season, he has a strong case to start alongside Saddiq Bey on the All-Rookie team.
It is an exciting time to be a fan of the Detroit Pistons and we have waited a long time for this.