Detroit Pistons: 4 teams that wish they had drafted Saddiq Bey
Detroit Pistons: The New Orleans Pelicans would love to have Saddiq Bey
If there is one team that could have used defense and 3-point shooting it is the New Orleans Pelicans.
The Pels went from one of the best 3-point shooting teams to one of the worst in just one season, dropping to 26th in the NBA and their defense stayed terrible, especially on the perimeter.
I was actually shocked when the Pelicans didn’t take Bey, as he was EXACTLY what they needed to put around Zion Williamson, as his shooting creates space and his defense can somewhat cover for the fact that Zion and Brandon Ingram don’t play any.
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Instead, the Pelicans took Kira Lewis Jr., a 190 lb. backup point guard who showed some flashes but didn’t play big minutes or make much of an impact on either end.
The Pelicans underperformed this season partly because they got very little out of their last offseason, including the 2020 Draft where they absolutely should have taken Saddiq Bey.
Their loss was the Detroit Pistons’ gain.
Pistons draft picks: The Dallas Mavericks could use Saddiq Bey
The Mavericks ended up clawing their way into the 5th seed after a slow start, largely due to the brilliance of Luka Doncic.
They took Josh Green just ahead of Saddiq Bey in the 2020 NBA Draft and they probably wish they had that pick to do over, as Bey is just a much better version of what they were hoping Green would be.
Green barely played for the Mavs, who finished 18th in 3-point shooting and 21st in defense. They definitely could have used Bey’s shooting to open up more space for Doncic, as well as his toughness on the perimeter.
Green may end up being good but Bey could have helped Dallas a lot this season.