Despite shaky performances in the Detroit Pistons’ recent game against Charlotte, both Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart have been receiving endless praise from the fans. It’s safe to say they are two of the most beloved players on the roster.
In just a short 10 months on the job, GM Troy Weaver has completely overhauled the roster with great rookies, young prospects, and long term projects. By drafting fellow rookie Killian Hayes at 7 and then making deals to acquire Stewart at 16 and Bey at 19, Weaver has crafted an impressive rookie class.
This class has been gaining plenty of attention on the national scale as well. Some even think this is the best trio of first round picks in the same draft in the class 25 years.
With Hayes sidelined up until recently, Bey and Stewart went on a tear post All-Star break, where both were left off the Rising Stars Challenge rosters. In ESPN’s most recent rookie ladder, both players landed in the top six.
It may be the Rising Stars snub that has motivated this recent success, paired with increased opportunity with players like Jerami Grant and Miles Plumlee sidelined with injury.
However you choose to explain it, the facts remain. The Pistons got two of the biggest steals in the entire draft in Saddiq Bey and Isaiah Stewart. Both players were drafted outside of the lottery and are poised to be consistent starters by their second year in the league.
As Troy Weaver continues to mold this roster, it looks like Bey and Stewart will be foundational pieces. A versatile, defensive big and a knock down three-point shooter are both crucial pieces for any contending team and the Pistons found both in the same draft. (Not to mention a potential point guard on the future in Killian Hayes)
Both of these players have brought a breath of fresh air to a fanbase that desperately needs it. So much so that now we get to ask the fun questions.
Which one of our two draft steals has the highest ceiling, Saddiq Bey or Isaiah Stewart?