The Toronto Raptors are coming off a much-needed win over the New Orleans Pelicans in their most recent contest. We all know what happened the last time these two teams squared off, and let's not remind Jamal Shead of that relatively demoralizing ordeal.
Unfortunately, Dejounte Murray wasn't active in the March 27 affair, missing the game on injury management, while standout wing Trey Murphy was also rendered inactive due to injury. I'm sure there were some fans hoping to see Murray perhaps get some of due justice here on Toronto's home court instead, but alas, I didn't think the situation was as heinous as some interpreted it. And I was certainly glad it didn't escalate into a pure debacle.
On to the actual Pelicans game itself, it was great to see the Raptors do their thing once again, finding valuable production across their entire starting lineup and a great showing off the bench for Sandro Mamukelashvili. Scottie Barnes had himself quite a showcase, RJ Barrett shot the ball well in his own right, and the emerging Ja'Kobe Walter continues to impress me in this final season lap.
Meanwhile on the undermanned Pelicans' side of things, they got worthwhile contributions from forwards Zion Williamson and Saddiq Bey — the latter of which is the focus of my piece here. Bey was New Orleans' second-leading scorer (behind Zion's 22-point performance), recording 19 points on 6-for-12 shooting, including 3-for-6 from three, along with three rebounds, two assists, and one block.
Bey has been on my radar for quite some time now, especially in the lead-up to this past February's trade deadline. Seeing as he's on a relatively affordable contract (making a little over $6 million this year, and just under $6.5 million next season), I thought he could be a very serviceable target that fit the Raptors' ambitions to keep costs low, while also adding a capable rotation piece in the process.
Saddiq Bey could be a perfect fit on the Toronto Raptors
I liked a Bey a ton coming out of the 2020 NBA Draft, and despite some defensive inconsistencies and occasional shooting lapses, I still think he is a very valuable piece to have on your roster. Bey has the length as a wing and he's gone on to improve his three-point percentage throughout the 2025-26 campaign (now sitting at 36.2 percent). When I was first looking at him around January-February, the shot looked to be coming together a little slowly (hovering around the low 30's), however, I did take into account this is Bey's first season back since suffering an ACL injury in March 2024.
All things considered, I don't think Bey's return has been too shabby by any means: he's played in 68 games this season, started in 60 of them, and is posting averages of 17.4 points on solid efficiency, 5.6 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and close to a steal (0.9), in just over 31 minutes of action per game.
I think Toronto could absolutely use a guy like Bey in the rotation, seeing as their wing depth off the bench has been rendered to guys like Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick, who are more shooting guards than anything. Saddiq Bey could definitely slot into that Ochai Agbaji role of the past, but I think Bey is much more offensively gifted than Agbaji, and it wouldn't be a surprising if Bey can give you a 25 or 30-piece on any given night. Mind you, Bey has a 51-point game under his belt during his time with Detroit, and a 42-point game from just last month with New Orleans.
The issue is more about getting there.
Toronto has adopted a frugal approach, despite not quite having a set rotation built for success. The starters have shown potential, but the bench could use a huge upgrade, despite some gems coming together into their own like Sandro Mamukelashvili and the aforementioned Walter. Perhaps if Toronto can cut costs in their hefty starting lineup, like shedding the RJ Barrett salary for one, then it opens an avenue to acquiring Bey. Another thought to consider is if the Raptors move on from Gradey Dick and entice the rebulding Pelicans on the former lottery pick — gaining a more polished 'vet' to bolster the bench in the process.