Who will be the next All-Star for the Detroit Pistons?

Next All-Star for the Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey

Saddiq Bey has continued to improve at an impressive rate. He is currently averaging 15.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game. He has started every game this year for the Pistons.

Despite an up-and-down start to the season, Saddiq went on an absolute tear starting in mid-December where he scored over 20 points in 8-of-9 games, including two 30-point outbursts.

Although it may seem lofty, Saddiq could find himself in the all-star conversation in the future if he, and the Detroit Pistons, continue to improve at this rate.

Looking at last year’s draft class, he second in rebounds, second in minutes played, and third in total points behind only Anthony Edwards and LaMelo Ball.

In a 2020 redraft, Saddiq would have an argument to go in the top five.

So what does all of this mean?

Saddiq is flying under the radar due to the Detroit Pistons’ subpar record. And similar to his time at Villanova, his no-nonsense attitude and dedication are going to take him a long way.

I would compare Saddiq’s growth to some other players who took a few years to appear in the All-Star game.

Khris Middleton didn’t make it until his 7th season, steadily improving his numbers year by year. Saddiq’s career so far looks similar to the first two seasons for Bradley Beal, who worked his way onto an All-Star team by his 6th season.

You can say the same of Julius Randle, Brandon Ingram, or Jimmy Butler. Saddiq may not possess the star power or pizzazz of some of the game’s best young players, but he belongs in the conversation.

Although it’s unlikely he makes an All-Star team before Cade Cunningham, Saddiq has the tools needed to continually improve. And who knows, if he keeps adding more skills to his arsenal he could make a dramatic jump that the league doesn’t see coming.