OKC Thunder draft prospect profile: Saddiq Bey

Villanova forward Saddiq Bey could become a quality role player on a title team but is he a prospect the OKC Thunder should target?

Saddiq Bey is one of the few forwards in this draft class. Rarer still is he’s among the few 3 and D prospects which could be why he’s projected to be selected in the lottery. With the 25th pick, it’s unlikely the OKC Thunder will get a chance to select the Villanova forward.

The sophomore doubled his point output this season and made marked improvements from the perimeter but it’s his defense and all-around capabilities that drafting teams are intrigued by.

The question is whether the Thunder should try to make a move for a player whose ceiling is likely as a supporting role player.

Saddiq Bey draft prospect preview:

Specifics:

• Height: 6’8″
• Weight: 216 pounds
• Wingspan: 6’10’
• Position: Forward
• Birthdate/Age: April 9, 1999, age 21.7 years
• College: Villanova, sophomore
• Stat line: 8.2 points, 5.1 rebounds, 1.3 assists
• Home Town: Charlotte, North Carolina

Provided by CBB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 11/15/2020.

Current Ranking:

Bey is projected to be selected either in the lottery or shortly after.

• The Ringer: 18th
• NBA DraftNet: 20th
• ESPN: 17th
• CBS Sports: 10th
• NBA: 11th
• Sports Illustrated: 13th
• Bleacher Report: 26th

Strengths:

• Prototypical 3 and D wing potential
• Quality defender who can defend one through four (and maybe five in a small-ball lineup)
• Shooting fundamentals are strong and offensive versatility is present already
• Decent playmaker for his position with the potential to grow in this area
• Comes from a program (Villanova) that typically prepares their prospects to contribute at the pro level immediately.
• High I.Q.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks versatility offensively particularly in isolation or drives
• Shooting success could be an issue at the pro level based on his fundamentals
• Intangibles like setting screens need to be improved in order for him to stay on the court

Pro Comparison:

Kevin O’Connor of the Ringer lists Tobias Harris, DeMarre Carroll, and Jae Crowder as possible NBA comparisons. NBA DraftNet cites Taurean Prince as a similar player.

The commonality of the picks is the defensive upside and shooting capabilities and presumption Bey would be a supporting role player who provides needed contributions but won’t be a priority scorer or playmaker. His defense will likely be the quality most coveted within the role he plays.

OKC Thunder fit:

It’s a moot point given where Saddiq Bey is projected to be selected. Moreover, with the Thunder looking to build for the future and develop talents with high ceilings he isn’t the type of prospect Sam Presti will likely make a shift to trade up to get.