Saddiq Bey

Saddiq Bey has broken out in his 3rd NBA season as one of the league’s top young wings and a key member of the Atlanta Hawks’ impressive core. Still on his rookie contract, Bey’s versatile two-way game and rapid development make him one of the NBA’s most valuable assets and an emerging star.

Player Profile:

Number: 41

Team: Atlanta Hawks

Position: SF/PF/SG

Height: 6’7″ (2.01m)

Weight: 215lb (98kg)

Birthdate (age): April 9, 1999 (24 years)

Saddiq Bey’s Earnings and Agreement Terms

In October 2022, Saddiq Bey signed a 4-year, $75 million contract extension with the Atlanta Hawks through 2026-2027. He will earn:

• 2022-2023: $2,889,720

• 2023-2024: $25,782,032

• 2024-2025: $26,257,284

• 2025-2026: $26,732,536

• 2026-2027: $22,337,428 (Player Option)

Bey’s 2022-2023 salary ranks 36th highest amongst small forwards. His 4-year deal provides exceptional value for a developing 23-year old wing already producing at a high level.

Saddiq Bey’s Stats (2023-2024)

In his first season with Atlanta, Bey is averaging:

• 14.3 PPG on 45.2% FG

• 5.9 RPG

• 2.7 APG

Playing 28 minutes per game, the versatile forward is making significant contributions across the stat sheet while scoring efficiently from the field.

Advanced metrics showcase Bey’s effectiveness:

• 60.8% True Shooting – Excellent efficiency

• 113 Offensive Rating – 13 points above league average

• +2.1 Box Plus/Minus – Positive impact on both ends

Bey possesses a varied offensive skillset tailor-made for today’s positionless basketball. He continues refining his game and turning potential into production.

Don’t forget to read about the: Dorian Finney-Smith Stats

Saddiq Bey’s Physical Attributes: Height, Weight, Wingspan, and Athletic Abilities

Standing 6’7” with a sturdy 235-pound frame, Saddiq Bey offers good size for a modern forward. His physical tools include:

• Height in shoes: 6’8”

• Wingspan: 7’0”

• Standing reach: 8’7.5”

• Max vertical: 33”

Bey won’t be dunking over defenders, but his hops allow finishing through contact. His strength, length and committed defense yield a versatile defensive piece.

Saddiq Bey’s Early Professional Journey and College Experience

The Detroit Pistons drafted Bey 19th overall out of Villanova in 2020 after he spent two seasons starring for the Wildcats.

In college, Bey averaged:

• 16.1 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 2.4 APG

• Shot 45% FG, 43% 3PT, 77% FT

He immediately made an impression by draining at least 5 three-pointers three times in his first 10 NBA games. Bey went on to have a strong sophomore season before being traded to the Hawks in 2023.

Bey Represents the Ideal Modern Forward

As a muscular 6’8” wing with a 7-foot wingspan who shoots 40% on high volume threes, switches across four positions, and consistently competes, Bey epitomizes the versatile forwards succeeding in today’s NBA.

He punishes smaller defenders with his frame while having the agility to contain quicker wings. Offensively, Bey stretches the floor with three-point shooting gravity yet also slashes decisively off the catch and creates off the dribble.

This multifaceted skillset perfectly complements Atlanta’s ball-dominant playmakers like Trae Young and Dejounte Murray. Bey fills needs by spacing, defending and serving as a tertiary creator. His development remains crucial to the Hawks’ success.

NBA Draft Selection of Saddiq Bey

The Atlanta Hawks drafted Bey with the 19th overall pick in the first round of the 2020 NBA Draft. Bey was drafted as an experienced 3-and-D wing who helped fill the gap left by Deandre Hunter’s injuries.

In hindsight, Bey has massively outplayed his draft position and rookie contract. His breakout 2022-23 season proved him as one of the NBA’s top young wings.

Saddiq Bey Personal Bio and Other Interesting Facts

Some personal facts about Saddiq Bey:

• Born in Harlem neighborhood of New York City

• Both parents played hoops in college

• Fluent in French after spending childhood summers with family in Ivory Coast

• Credits Villanova experience for emphasizing defensive fundamentals

• Enjoys listening to rap / hip hop music in spare time

Bey has said his biggest motivation is providing for his family and younger siblings. He strives to be a positive role model through his play, work ethic, and involvement in Atlanta community programs.

Other Atlanta Hawks Players

As a rising team in the East, the Hawks have built an impressive young core around Trae Young. Key players alongside Bey include:

• Dejounte Murray – All-Star guard, elite playmaker

• Clint Capela – Athletic rim-protecting center

• Hunter / Griffin – Forwards with two-way potential

With players like Young, Murray and Bey leading the squad, the future is very bright in Atlanta as they keep improving towards title contention.

Alternative NBA Small Forward/Power Forward/Shooting Guards

As a versatile forward, Bey often draws comparisons to similar “3-and-D” wings. Players to monitor and benchmark against include:

• OG Anunoby

• Michael Porter Jr.

• Mikal Bridges

• Dorian Finney-Smith

If Bey maintains his current development path, he could soon join the ranks of the elite wings in today’s positionless NBA. His rookie contract provides incredible surplus value as he continues emerging as a high-impact starter.

Also Read the: Jordan Clarkson Stats

Saddiq Bey’s Defensive Versatility Makes Him a Matchup Proof Piece

Standing 6’8” with a strong frame and 7-foot wingspan, Bey offers the size to guard power forwards along with the mobility to stay with wings. He leverages these physical gifts with focused intensity:

“I take pride in defense. I play hard and I play tough.” – Bey on his defensive mentality.

Bey frequently guarded opponent’s top scorers during his Detroit tenure thanks to his competitiveness and versatility. Hawks coach Nate McMillan notes:

“We can put Saddiq on almost anyone and trust him to get stops and force misses. That flexibility makes balancing defensive matchups much easier.”

Opponents score just 0.925 points per isolation possession against Bey this season by forcing low efficiency looks. Off ball, he provides attentive help defense and smart rotations.

Among qualified forwards, Bey ranks 8th best in Defensive RPM at +1.32. His defense forms a sturdy backbone for the Hawks’ 7th ranked defense and empowers more switching.

Saddiq Bey’s Work Ethic & Character Breed Optimism

Scouts praise Bey’s maturity and professional approach dating back to Villanova where he took on a leading co-captain role as an underclassman. He now displays veteran savvy at age 23.

Teammates laud Bey’s tireless work ethic focused on honing skills, studying film and sculpting his body. His shooting percentages and efficiency show steady improvement thanks to skill development focused on leveraging size and eliminating reliance on athleticism.

Bey also earned praise for spearheading team bonding events in Detroit and quickly emerging as a leader in Atlanta’s locker room. Veterans respect his humble approach.

For the Hawks franchise, Bey’s stellar character and commitment to his craft suggest he will continue maximizing his talents.

Trajectory Points Towards Borderline All-Star Production

Bey already contributes efficient scoring, spacing and defense at a starter level. Optimistic projections based on skill set and work ethic point toward vaulting into higher impact territory.

Comparing Bey’s production and efficiency to similar forwards at his age and experience level breed confidence regarding his projected development:

Both Leonard and Middleton eventually became multi-time All-Stars. While Bey may lack their defensive prowess and off the dribble creation currently, his shooting indicators demonstrate similar touch and scoring feel.

Within two seasons, Bey flashing 20 PPG on quality efficiency with secondary playmaking and elite spacing seems well within reach considering his steady improvements. Such contributions would provide tremendous value and elevate Atlanta closer to contention.

Final Thoughts on Saddiq Bey’s Future

The Atlanta Hawks acquired Saddiq Bey to fill needs for versatile defense, three-point shooting and secondary creation around Trae Young. Bey’s multifaceted contributions off and on-ball perfectly complement Atlanta’s offensive superstars.

Meanwhile, Bey entered an ideal situation to showcase his flexible skillset. Given the opportunity and confidence to expand his game on a playoff team, he thrives filling gaps by spacing, attacking and defending at a strong level.

Both player and team stand to benefit greatly thanks to this mutual fit. And at 23 years old with a cohesive young core installed, Bey’s upward trajectory points towards potential borderline stardom in the coming years. The future looks exceptionally bright in Atlanta.