Detroit Pistons: The most underrated part of Saddiq Bey’s game

Saddiq Bey has been one of the lone bright spots for the Detroit Pistons this season, as they currently have the worst record in the NBA and have missed both Jerami Grant and Cade Cunningham for chunks of the season to various injuries.

Bey has made strides as a scorer and playmaker, though his overall shooting numbers aren’t great. He has also shown he can play both forward spots effectively, hit 3-point shots in bunches and be a solid secondary scorer for the Pistons.

I asked recently if Bey was untouchable in a trade and many Pistons’ fans answered yes and I can see why. A productive player on a rookie deal is a valuable commodity in the NBA and Bey looks like a guy who will be a solid player in the league for a long time.

I don’t think anyone on this team outside of Cade is “untouchable” but Bey is exactly the type of piece a rebuilding team needs.

While Bey has shown promise as a scorer and defender, his most underrated quality might be the fact that you can pencil him into the lineup every single night.

Bey is one of a small group of players who have started every game for their team this season.

“Availability is the best ability” is one of the oldest cliches in sports, but it has stuck for a reason and that’s because it’s true.

Saddiq Bey has been an “Iron Man” for the Detroit Pistons

After playing in all but two games in his rookie season, Saddiq Bey has started every game for the Pistons in the 2021-22 season, which is pretty amazing.

When you look around the league and see how many guys sit out games for rest or minor injuries, Bey’s availability is even more impressive, especially in a season ravaged by COVID.

Bey has been one of the only constants for the Pistons this season, leading the team in games, total minutes played, total made field goals and 3-point shots.

He’s a consistent double-digit scorer who has improved as a rebounder and playmaker, and possibly most importantly, he is out there every single night.

It doesn’t matter how talented someone is if they can’t stay on the floor, ask the 76ers or Pelicans, so while Bey might not have superstar potential, his value is raised by the the fact that he’s always available while a lot of other players are not.