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Ex-Pistons Standout Seems Close to Returning From Major Injury

Saddiq Bey was working out before the Pistons-Wizards matchup on Thursday.
Justin Grasso|
Mar 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey (41) dribbles against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Mar 5, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Saddiq Bey (41) dribbles against New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

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Before the Detroit Pistons and the Washington Wizards had their second clash of the week on Thursday night, the former Pistons standout Saddiq Bey was spotted going through a pregame workout.

It was a positive sign for Bey, who is working his back from a major injury he suffered during the 2023-2024 NBA season.

Roughly one year ago, Bey was playing for the Atlanta Hawks. During the Hawks’ March 10 matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans, Bey started and checked in for 27 minutes of action. He accounted for 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists.

Before the Hawks went into their next matchup against the Portland Trail Blazers, Bey was diagnosed with an ACL tear. He missed the remainder of the season.

Over the summer, Bey entered the 2024 free agency class, still recovering from his surgery. Despite being in recovery, he still landed a three-year, $20 million deal from the Washington Wizards. It’s unclear if Bey will get a chance to suit up this season, but he seems close to returning. The Wizards have one month left of basketball before they focus on the 2025 NBA Draft.

Bey has a lot to prove after getting his NBA career off to a hot start. After landing on the Pistons ahead of his rookie year, Bey took advantage of being in a position to gain immediate playing time on a rebuilding squad. During his first two years with the Pistons, Bey averaged 14 points, five rebounds, and two assists on 36 percent shooting from deep. He was traded to the Hawks after playing in 52 games during his third season.

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Justin Grasso
JUSTIN GRASSO

Justin Grasso was a credentialed writer and publisher covering the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated’s 76ers On SI Network. Grasso got his start in sports media in 2016 with FantasyPros, working the news desk, providing game-by-game player analysis and updates on the Portland Trail Blazers and the Golden State Warriors. By 2017, he joined FanSided’s Philadelphia Eagles site as a staff writer. After spending one season covering the Eagles as a staff writer, Grasso was promoted to become the site’s Co-Editor. For the next two NFL seasons, he covered the Eagles closely before broadening his NFL coverage. For a brief stint, Grasso covered the NFL on a national basis after joining Heavy.com as an NFL news desk writer. In 2019, Grasso joined the 76ers' beat on a part-time basis, stepping into a role with South Jersey’s 97.3 ESPN. Ahead of the 2019-2020 NBA season, he concluded a three-year stint covering the Eagles and joined the Sixers beat full-time. Grasso has covered the 76ers exclusively since then for Sports Illustrated. He is a member of the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Twitter: @JGrasso_ Instagram: @JGrassoMedia

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