Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey is clutch and the numbers show it

Saddiq Bey was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 19th pick in the 2020 NBA draft and he made the All-Rookie first team with a stat line of 12.2 points 4.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists.

He capped his rookie year off by breaking records, shattering the Pistons rookie record for three point field goals made in a season. He finished with 175 made threes, 70 more than the previous record held by Brandon Knight.

Bey has grown in year two under head coach Dwane Casey. He’s the only Pistons player to start all sixty four games this season, averaging 16.2 points 5.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists for the Detroit Pistons. He’s emerging not just as a lethal shooter, but also one of the most clutch young players in the league. At just 22 years old the sky’s the limit for the small forward from Villanova.

He’s been coming up big lately, from buzzer beating daggers from outside, to crashing the glass for timely put-backs. Saddiq Bey has been clutch for the Pistons, and it’s not going to slow down anytime soon. He’s playing with high confidence and with ice in his veins. It seems the ball finds his hands when it matters most for this young Pistons team.

Detroit Pistons: Saddiq Bey in the clutch

He’s caught the attention of teammates with his play. Isaiah Stewart recently spoke on the heroics from Bey with media.  He had this to say.

Although Chauncey Billups former Finals MVP, and Pistons’ legend holds that title of Mr. Big Shot, Bey could be following in his footsteps.

In the 32 games for Saddiq that were considered clutch (within five points in the last five minutes) the Pistons’ record is 15-17 this season. This is largely due to the combination of Cade Cunningham and Bey. In clutch points per game they rank first and second for the Pistons.

Saddiq Bey currently is tied for 37th in the NBA in total clutch points. His 52 points has him tied with All Star level talents like Julius Randle, and Domantas Sabonis. That’s more than MVP award winning, and NBA 75th anniversary team member James Harden. Bey is one of only two second year players in the top fifty, which makes this statistic even more impressive.

At 22 years old he’s also the fifth youngest player on the list. Being edged out by Ja Morant by a few months, and Lu Dort by one day to keep him out the top three, proving he’s one of the best young clutch players in the league.

He’s already made so many clutch shots in his young career but the best is yet to come. He’s still learning and really hasn’t scratched the surface of his full potential. Pistons have a foundational piece in Bey, he should be considered untouchable. With his calm demeanor he quiets crowds, and performs his best in hostile atmospheres. Pistons fans should expect more clutch play as he continues to grow with this team.