Pistons coach Dwane Casey is liking what he sees from rookie first-round pick Saddiq Bey early.
“I love the way he’s come out and the approach that he’s not afraid of anything,” Casey said, via Rod Beard of the Detroit News. “But again, just adjusting to that NBA speed is what all rookies — not only our rookies — all rookies around the league have to adjust to. I would say in the second half of those stretches is what you’re seeing.”
Bey was the 19th overall draft pick out of Villanova. The 6-foot-8 small forward is averaging 9.5 points and 4.8 rebounds through the first four games.
“He’s depending on his teachings from Villanova, and his defensive presence, his defensive feel, his defensive disposition is unbelievable,” Casey said. “That’s who he was at Villanova. His shooting is coming around, and again, he’s a work in progress. He’s not a finished product by any means. That’s how he built the trust, just through his hard work, his intensity, his stick-to-itive attitude is second to none.”
More from around the East
- After a couple of strong showings, it’s time for the Hornets to move rookie point guard LaMelo Ball into the starting lineup, opines Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
- According to K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports Chicago, the Bulls have no choice but to ride the roller coaster and inconsistency of second-year guard Coby White. “The one thing I want him to see — and it’s not even about taking away his identity because I want him to be aggressive — is he’s the catalyst in running our team,” Bulls coach Billy Donovan said, via Johnson.
- Magic shooting guard Terrence Ross said he expects to play vs. the Thunder after missing Thursday’s game, relayed Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel.
- Former Wyoming and Raptors 905 guard Derek Cook Jr. is returning overseas to play for Tsmoki Minsk in Belarus, per Stefan Djordjevic of Eurohoops.net.
