The New Orleans Pelicans have had a challenging 2025-26 season, with little to celebrate. They find themselves among the league's bottom ten, lacking a first-round draft pick, and dealing with questionable offseason trades.
The coaching situation remains uncertain, and the team's long-term direction is hazy. Yet, amidst the turmoil, Saddiq Bey has emerged as a beacon of consistency and professionalism.
Initially perceived as a minor component in the Jordan Poole for CJ McCollum trade, Bey was recovering from an ACL injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024-25 season. Expectations were modest, but Bey quickly proved his worth. This season, he’s averaging career highs with 17.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting 36.6 percent from beyond the arc and achieving his highest true shooting percentage yet.
With his contract set to expire after next season, many fans are eager for the Pelicans to extend the 26-year-old. However, Bey's inconsistent shooting history suggests caution might be wise.
Staying Patient with Bey
As one of the league's bottom seven teams, the Pelicans must consider the possibility that Bey's standout season might be an anomaly. The NBA often sees players shine on struggling teams, only to regress under more pressure. Bey's return from a year-long injury hiatus adds another layer to this narrative, as he entered the season with a strong desire to prove himself.
Historically, Bey hasn't surpassed 42.2 percent shooting from the field in a season and has dipped below 35 percent from three in two seasons. While he has delivered clutch performances, he hasn't been the focal point of opposing defenses. A significant contract extension could change that, drawing more defensive attention his way.
The Pelicans have learned from Herb Jones' regression post-extension, emphasizing the need for cautious contract decisions. Although Bey has been a standout performer this season, opting not to extend him immediately might be the prudent choice. This approach preserves New Orleans' flexibility and maintains Bey's value as a potential trade asset if the next season doesn't pan out as hoped.