Detroit Pistons: The best-case scenario for Saddiq Bey
Saddiq Bey averaged 12.2 points and 4.5 rebounds in what was a remarkably consistent rookie season.
Bey didn’t really hit the proverbial “rookie wall” and actually put up some of his best games late in the season when many rookies wear down.
Bey will be even stronger next season and after a full offseason of working with NBA players, coaches and trainers, he is going to once again be an Iron Man for Detroit.
I think the best-case scenario is that Bey adds a few wrinkles to his offensive game, particularly making plays off the dribble and posting up more often.
I also think the addition of Cade Cunningham is going to get Bey better looks, so I expect him to shoot closer to 40 percent next season from the 3-point line.
His improved strength will allow him to defend bigger players, so the Pistons can go small at times, which should get Bey even more open shots.
I think the best-case scenario is that Bey once again leads the team in minutes, but scores 15-18 points per game and pulls down closer to 6-7 rebounds while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range.
He’ll be a plus defender who takes on the challenge of guarding the other team’s best guy, and he’ll spend much more of the season defending power forwards.