The New Orleans Pelicans have moved to 10-5 because the All-Star break with their 105-99 win over the Los Angeles Clippers. Despite not having Dejounte Murray in the lineup due to it being the second night time of a back-to-back, they managed to come out on high. With his star guard sidelined, interim head coach James Borrego opted to do one thing he is finished typically this season, which is run a non-traditional beginning 5.
Borrego rolled out a lineup of Herb Jones and Trey Murphy III in the backcourt with Saddiq Bey and Zion Williamson on the ahead spots, and Yves Missi holding issues down in the center. This season, any time the Pelicans have run guardless lineups, we frequently see Zion Williamson step up because the group’s lead playmaker. But on Thursday night time, it was truly Saddiq Bey who stepped up to bat, doling out six assists.
Through the whole thing of the 2025-26 marketing campaign, Bey has been essentially the most constant and dependable participant for New Orleans, as on any given night time, he is prepared to step into no matter position the group wants.
Some nights, he is tasked with carrying the group together with his scoring in the clutch—different nights, it is about making stops defensively or combating on the glass. Against the Clippers, he was tasked with taking part in the Dejounte Murray position, and he did precisely that.
Saddiq Bey continues to present he is the definition of plug-and-play
Throughout his highschool, collegiate, {and professional} basketball profession, Bey has by no means as soon as been seen as a playmaker or passer. That’s why his efficiency towards LA is so spectacular, as a result of he did not simply report six assists, he did so with out turning the ball over. He was additionally the one starter on the Pelicans to report zero turnovers in the win.
Oftentimes, when gamers are catapulted into a task they do not sometimes play, the remainder of their recreation disappears as a result of they turn into hyper-focused on a unique set of tasks. That wasn’t the case in any respect for Bey.
Even although he was tasked with playmaking and creating for others, he nonetheless snagged six rebounds and scored a really environment friendly 20 factors. The soon-to-be 27-year-old shot 54.5 p.c from the sphere and a powerful 3-for-4 from three whereas additionally going an ideal 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
Bey’s potential to alter on the fly and purchase into no matter position he is wanted to play for the Pelicans to have a shot at successful has been his superpower all season lengthy. When he was acquired, many followers seen him as a throw-in as a part of the Jordan Poole commerce. But now greater than ever, he appears to be like like the true prize of that deal and somebody who’s a lock as a part of the New Orleans Pelicans’ long-term future.
