Dallas Mavericks 2020 NBA Draft prospect profile: Saddiq Bey

Dallas Mavericks 2020 NBA draft prospect Saddiq Bey: Offensive strengths

Bey is coming off of a standout sophomore season at Villanova, where he averaged 16.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per game while earning first-team All-Big East honors. It cannot be emphasized enough how NBA ready Bey is to be a key contributor on almost any contending team. His strongest asset as a 6’8 forward is his ability to transfer his athleticism into buckets.

While he may not carry a LeBron-esque physical prowess with him, Bey’s court IQ and decision making are both far above what fans could expect or want from a 21-year-old. He moves gracefully off the ball and has fantastic awareness and attention of where the ball is and where he needs to be.

Bey’s catch-and-shoot mechanics are nearly flawless, which sets him up as a potentially lethal 3-point option on Luka Doncic kick-outs. His shooting form is natural and consistent, especially for a 6’8 wing.

Bey also excels as a driver. His ability to attack down the baseline is effective and dangerous for opponents to try to stop. He uses his size as an intimidating inside threat as well. Bey moves efficiently and does not hesitate in his decision making with the ball.

Dallas Mavericks 2020 NBA draft prospect Saddiq Bey: Defensive strengths

Bey is not only an offensive threat, but he can defend with force as well. In a league where many of the top superstars are tall forwards, the Mavericks sit with a roster flush with guard talent but no forward defensive threat. Maxi Kleber and Kristaps Porzingis are both excellent defenders in the post, with Willie Cauley-Stein providing serviceable rim protection off the bench.

The Dallas Mavericks leave a lot of shooters wide open for 3-point attempts because of their inability to trap a team defensively. Dallas ranked 20th in 3-point attempts allowed during the 19-20 regular season and 17th in threes made. Bey can supply the Mavs with aggressive, physical defense both on and off the ball.

Next: Bey's weaknesses