Saddiq Bey's breakout 2026 season saw him exceed expectations, deliver career-best scoring and become a vital New Orleans Pelicans starter.
The New Orleans Pelicans' season did not go as planned, but it was an interesting year for almost all of the players (for better or worse). There were some surprises, some let-downs and a whole lot of information to unpack before building next year's team.
To better understand the team as a whole, it's important to break everything down to the individual level. Here's a look at what went well, what went wrong and an overall grade for Pelicans star forward Saddiq Bey's 2026 campaign:
What Went Well
Bey was so much better than almost everyone expected him to be this season. He went from an intriguing bench piece who could bounce back after missing a full season to an ACL tear. Instead, he became a crucial part of the starting lineup.
The now 27-year-old played in 72 games and started 64 of them. He averaged a career-best 17.7 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists with 45.1/36.7/84.1 shooting splits. He exploded with five games of at least 30 points and a season-high of 42.
One of the best things about his game is that he just doesn't turn the ball over. If he gets the ball, he's probably going to end up forcing his way to a good shot.
If New Orleans needed someone to take over or take a big shot, Bey was always willing, despite being one of the new guys in the group.
What Went Wrong
There isn't a whole lot to complain about with Bey. He was great at what his role called for him to do. Both the offense and the defense were better with him on the floor. If there are any holes in his game, it's that he's not the best creator for others and is below-league average in mid-range accuracy. Things that can be overlooked given how good he is elsewhere.
Overall Grade - A+
Bey is probably the only player on the roster to receive this high a grade. He was reliable, efficient, fun to watch, and did it all while making just under $6 million. That's one of the best values in all of the NBA.
What's Next?
Bey does have one more year on his deal, making around $6.6 million next season, but the Pelicans should work to get an extension done this offseason. He encapsulates everything that this front office wants from a player and has proven to be reliable on the court. New Orleans should do everything it can to make sure he sticks around.