The New Orleans Pelicans‘ decisions during the 2025 offseason have come under intense scrutiny, particularly their trade involving a 2026 first-round pick. The team exchanged this pick with the Atlanta Hawks to acquire Derik Queen, but with that pick now expected to fall within the draft’s top three, critics have labeled the move a major error. Additionally, New Orleans traded CJ McCollum, whose contract was set to expire, to obtain Jordan Poole, who carries a $34 million salary for the upcoming year. This latter trade has received significant criticism due to Poole’s underwhelming performance, shooting only 37.4 percent from the field and even being removed temporarily from the rotation.
Saddiq Bey Emerges as the Unexpected Highlight
Amid the criticism surrounding these trades, communication around Saddiq Bey has shifted dramatically. Initially viewed as a minor part of the McCollum-for-Poole trade, Bey’s notable rise in production has made Poole appear to be the lesser asset in hindsight. This season, Bey is posting career-best statistics, averaging 17.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game while shooting 45.5 percent overall and 35.5 percent from three-point range. His resurgence has helped Pelicans fans better accept the financial commitment attached to Poole’s contract.
Major Impact After the All-Star Break
Since the NBA All-Star break, the Pelicans have recorded a 4-1 run, with Bey at the center of this late-season momentum. In those five games, he has elevated his scoring to an average of 25.2 points, along with 5.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game. One standout performance was his 42-point game against Utah, including 23 points scored in the fourth quarter alone, effectively closing out the contest.
New Skills Make Bey Hard to Defend
Bey’s recent success is linked to his improved ability to finish plays at the rim, where he now converts 62.5 percent of his attempts. Previously known mainly for his perimeter shooting and mid-range game, he has become a versatile offensive threat. By attacking the basket with confidence and skill, often creating angles to shoot over defenders, Bey has become much more difficult for opponents to contain. His ability to capitalize against weaker defenders has added a new dimension to New Orleans’ offense.
Pelicans’ Future Brightens with Bey’s Development
Looking at the trade in hindsight, acquiring Saddiq Bey in exchange for McCollum and Poole may prove to be one of the more prudent moves by the Pelicans front office, which many initially viewed as the losers of the deal. At 26 years old, Bey appears to be a valuable long-term asset for New Orleans, contributing significantly to their current success and providing optimism for the team’s trajectory moving forward.
