The hypothetical core of Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and LaMelo Ball is a ghastly trio on defense. The Wolves can ignore defense when the most star-powered prospect is available. They cannot ignore defense a second time. Saddiq Bey is the proper response at 16.
Bey is a sturdy defender on the wing at 6-foot-8, bringing both size and versatility to Minnesota’s rotation. While not a particularly impressive athlete, Bey’s sense of timing and positioning is impeccable. He’s a high-I.Q. defender, and someone the Wolves could instantly rely on.
He was also among the best spot-up shooters in basketball last season. Bey can put the ball on the floor and attack closeouts as necessary, but he’s at his best off-ball. That’s important when you consider the high-usage creators already on the roster. 3-and-D wings in Bey’s vein are always a bonus.