Sacramento Kings draft target: Saddiq Bey, F, Villanova
I’m all-in on Saddiq Bey.
The multi-talented, 6-foot-8 forward from Villanova has shown the ability to score from anywhere and defend anyone. Jumping from eight points a game last year to just over 16 shows how much his game has improved in such a short amount of time. The most telling aspect of his improvement has to be his 3-point shot, climbing from a respectable 37 percent to a remarkable 45 percent by the end of his second season.
In recent times, the Kings have really struggled to find wings with the size and shooting ability that Bey possesses. He would also provide Luke Walton with more flexibility, allowing him to go small without jeopardizing the defensive end. With him and Barnes at the three and four, and Bagley running the five, The Kings could have a very explosive small-ball lineup.
Saddiq is the type of player who is not content with being average. Working vigorously over his two years in college has transformed him into one of the top sleeper picks of this draft. Bey demands the absolute maximum from himself and is someone I can see steadily improving each year he’s in the league.
Although his ceiling may not be as high as some other prospects, I think there is little to no chance that he is a bust. Sometimes a low lottery pick means choosing the guy with the highest floor, in which case Bey is your man.