Detroit Pistons Select Saddiq Bey with 19th Overall Pick

After taking Killian Hayes and Isaiah Stewart in the first round, it appeared the Detroit Pistons might be done picking in the first round.

That was not the case as the Detroit Pistons traded away Luke Kennard and received the 19th pick in the draft in a three-team deal with the Nets and Clippers. The Pistons were in a tricky spot with Kennard’s upcoming free agency, so it made sense to trade him for a draft pick that would fit better in their timeline. With that pick, they chose Saddiq Bey out of Villanova.

Bey entered the draft after a strong sophomore season. He averaged 16.1 points, 2.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds in his sophomore year while shooting a fantastic 45.1% from three. On top of that, he was also one of the best defenders in the Big East. (Sports Reference)

The modern NBA is definitely a wings’ league. Superstar forwards such as Lebron, KD, and Kawhi have dominated the past decade and led their teams to several championships. Good wing defenders are necessary to compete with the NBA’s elite. This is where Bey will fit in.

Bey should already enter the league as a plus defender. He has great size for a forward with a 6’8 215 lb frame and a 7-foot wingspan. This will allow him to reasonably guard nearly every position besides bigger centers and super quick point guards. Also, he plays very smart defensively, knowing where to be at all times.

Most of Bey’s production offensively will come off the ball. He will spread the floor with great shooting for a forward. He also knows good times to cut and can handle the ball well enough to attack closeouts with drives to the hoop.

Bey appears to be a player with a very high floor that the Pistons can count on for solid minutes from day 1. He may never become a number one option, but he looks exactly like the extremely valuable 3 and D forwards that are crucial in today’s NBA.