The Timberwolves need defenders. Karl-Anthony Towns, D’Angelo Russell, and LaMelo Ball is one heck of an offensive group. It may also be the worst defensive core in basketball. Saddiq Bey will not make up all that ground, but he’s a versatile 6-foot-8 wing in the ever-coveted 3-and-D mold.
While not an elite athlete, Bey is light on his feet. He can stick with smaller guards on the perimeter, or use his wide frame to combat stronger opponents inside. He has a knack for angles and knows how to position his body between the basket and the ball-handler.
On offense, Bey will do most of his work as a spot-up shooter. He shot well upwards of 40 percent from deep at Villanova, and he has enough of a pull-up game to threaten overzealous closeouts. He’s the perfect role player to complement Minnesota’s assortment of high-level playmakers.