Portland Trail Blazers: A way-too-early look at perfect picks in the 2020 NBA Draft
Saddiq Bey. 2. player. 479. F. Villanova University. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis
Saddiq Bey’s fit with the Portland Trail Blazers is an ideal one ― so much so that the weaknesses on his game tape are negatives that can be glossed over when the 2020 NBA Draft comes around.
The two-year Wildcat requires polish in his shot creation skills, and probably needs to pack on a bit of weight if he plans to play the “4” with his 215-pound frame. That notwithstanding, his strengths far outweighed the negatives.
Bey fits the 3-and-D prototype to a tee; he hit on a blistering 45.1 percent on his 6.2 3-point attempts, and can defend everything from a traditional point guard to a modern-day NBA “4” in spurts. That three-level scoring led to brilliant per game numbers. Per 40 minutes, he averaged 19.0 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game on a 60.8 true shooting percentage.
New on YouTube: ESPN Film Session with Villanova wing and potential lottery pick, Saddiq Bey. At 6-8 with two-way versatility and a high basketball IQ, Bey is one of the most NBA-ready prospects in the draft. https://t.co/sqSR4awUrY pic.twitter.com/7mPXJ0atp3
— Mike Schmitz (@Mike_Schmitz) August 5, 2020
Bey’s pre-Draft player similarities range anywhere everywhere from Jae Crowder to Jaylen Brown. Methinks there’s more than meets the eye. Bey hit his stride from Nov. 22 to Dec. 14, averaging 19.0 points on just 12.5 shots.
He’s got self-sufficient scorer potential; what people don’t realize is that the more success he has as a shooter ― and he generates 1.46 points per possession on catch-and-shoot attempts ― the more defenses fear him, and close out hard. Bey showed the ability to attack closeouts, and score with players in pursuit.
Portland’s forward dynamic got a lot more intriguing thanks to Gary Trent Jr.’s bubble breakout. Young upstarts like Nassir Little and Wenyen Gabriel haven’t become proven, trusted rotation players just yet, which probably means there’s some wiggle room in Portland’s 2020 NBA Draft plans. And in the modern NBA, you really can’t have too many switchable swingmen.
But, Bey fits the scheme. As custom in Villanova’s system, the ball moves from side-to-side. Bey specializes in those quick decisions. We know Portland’s offense is at its most symphonic when the ball keeps moving. There’s a bit of a worry that Bey won’t be available, especially if the Golden State Warriors have something to say about it. But if he’s available, he feels like a safe selection.