Dwane Casey: Stewart, Bey should be in All-Rookie consideration
With several rookies on the roster, the Detroit Pistons have used the 2020-21 season as an opportunity to build toward the future by prioritizing the development of the younger players.
In the midst of their rebuild, the Pistons’ rookies have had strong individual performances throughout the year.
While seventh overall pick Killian Hayes missed significant time, the other first-round picks, Isaiah Stewart and Saddiq Bey, have emerged as two of the top rookies this season. Plus, Saben Lee has also contributed at a high level in spurts as well.
Stewart, the 16th overall pick, is averaging 7.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 65 games. He leads all rookie players in total rebounding, offensive rebounding (2.4 per game), blocked shots and double-doubles (eight) this season.
On the other hand, Bey, the 19th overall pick, established himself as perhaps the best rookie shooter this season.
Bey is averaging 11.8 points and 4.5 rebounds on 38.3% shooting from 3-point range. Bey set the Pistons’ rookie record for 3-pointers in a season and recently set the rookie record for games with at least five 3s, which he has now done 11 times. His 158 total 3s rank 23rd among all players.
Pistons head coach Dwane Casey believes they should both be in the NBA All-Rookie discussion.
If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that Saddiq Bey is going to be talked about in the All-Rookie Team, I wouldn’t have known that. I’ve seen his growth throughout the year and his performance, production through the year and he has done that. Isaiah Stewart should also be in consideration for one of the All-Rookie teams.
Casey previously said that Bey should also be in consideration for Rookie of the Year, even though he likely won’t win. A head coach advocating for their players is hardly anything new, but Stewart and Bey are deserving of the honor and figure to be locks for one of the two All-Rookie teams.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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