As the New Orleans Pelicans look for wing depth in the upcoming NBA Draft, a handful of names will stick out. Devin Vassell is one name that was linked to the Pelicans in CBS Sports’ mock draft and another one is Saddiq Bey of Villanova.
Rookie Wire’s latest mock draft by Bryan Kalbrosky has the Pelicans selecting Bey with the No. 13 pick with the following explanation:
“Saddiq Bey shot 45.1% from 3-point range last season and is an elite catch-and-shoot prospect and spot-up option. He led all players 6-foot-8 or taller in total 3-pointers made this past season. Plus, at his height, it is especially impressive that he has finished 14.6% of his possessions as the ball handler in pick-and-roll sets. Much like New Orleans Pelicans swingman Josh Hart, Bey comes into the NBA from Villanova as a ready-for-action option. If he is on the floor at the same time as Zion Williamson, he will have more open shots than he will know what to do with.”
Bey is listed at 6-for-8 as a wing prospect. On the Pelicans’ current roster, no non-center is listed at or above 6-foot-8 with Ingram being the tallest wing player at 6-foot-7. It’s the biggest area of weakness of the roster makeup for New Orleans this season.
If they can bring in players like Bey with size and spacing ability, it could open up the possibility for more versatile lineups. Adding three-point shooting around Zion Williamson should only lead to more positives for the Pelicans in the future.
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