Saddiq Bey exploded as a sophomore at Villanova, doubling his points per game with increased efficiency across the board. This resulted in him earning 1st team All-Big East honors as the lone sophomore to make the team. On the year, Bey averaged 16.2 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.4 BPG, and 1.5 TOPG on shooting splits of 48/45/77. Below is his full scouting report:
Name: Saddiq Bey
Height/Weight: 6’8/ 216
Wingspan/ standing reach: N/A
Hand size: N/A
Position: Wing
College/ country: Villanova
Tools: 3&D, size
Pros:
- Plus spot up shooter
- Good defensive discipline
- Versatile on the perimeter
- Patient with the ball & doesn’t force passes
- Capable passer with good vision
- Quick to get his feet set off the dribble
Cons:
- Lacks top end athleticism
- Lacks explosiveness on drives; weak first step
- Doesn’t accumulate defensive stats
- May struggle as a slasher in the NBA
- Empty dribbles at times
Overall:
Despite lacking top-end athleticism, Saddiq Bey profiles as one of the best 3&D wings in the draft. Standing at 6’8, Bey is a tough assignment that can shoot over similarly sized defenders. While he is limited at attacking the basket due to lacking both explosive finishing ability and a strong first step, Bey should comfortably be able to score in the NBA thanks to jump shot with a high release. Bey has quick footwork on his jumper, which will benefit him in the NBA against harder closeouts.
Another area where Bey thrives offensively is creating for others. While he will very rarely break his defender down off the dribble, Bey has excellent vision and has a knack for passing out of post-ups and finding cutters.
Defensively, Bey can guard both wing positions and some power forwards depending on the lineup. While he doesn’t have the top-end athleticism and recovery ability required for elite defenders, Bey’s defensive floor is very high as a functional defender that limits mistakes on the defensive end. While he doesn’t force many turnovers, Bey doesn’t give away points or open looks. He thrives at forcing bad shots, which can often be equivalent to a turnover.
NBA Comparison: Floor: Mavs Wesley Matthews; ceiling Portland Wesley Matthews
Projected draft range: 12-22
Fit with Mavs:
Saddiq Bey’s fit is almost universal across the league, which makes him a surefire target for Dallas. If the Mavs loved Wesley Matthews in 2016 following a severe Achilles injury, they would love a younger, healthier version of himself. Bey would be a key bench contributor right away, helping strengthen the Mavs’ perimeter defense when Dorian Finney-Smith is off the floor. In both of Luka Doncic’s NBA seasons, the Mavs have seen a painful drop-off defensively once Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber leave the floor. Adding a player to form a trio where any one of those 3 can be on the floor at any given time would greatly help both the Mavs’ ability to hold onto leads, as well as compliment the current roster core.
Any team in need of a capable wing defender and a shooter that can shoot over close-outs and make quick reads can benefit from Saddiq Bey. Look for Bey to start getting strong looks on draft night around pick 12 for New Orleans.
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