The Washington Wizards have gotten the chance to set their eyes on multiple players throughout this trying season.
From the heavy mixture of rookies, free agency signings, returning veterans, and even players dealt for ahead of the NBA trade deadline in February, the team's fanbase has seen a number of names represent the city on their chest throughout the year.
Along the way, the Wizards have seen plenty of encouraging signs this season. Alex Sarr began to show flashes of his potential down the stretch, AJ Johnson helped Wizards fans see exactly why the Milwaukee Bucks were so confident taking him in the first-round of the NBA Draft last offseason despite limited time overseas, and both Bub Carrington and Kyshawn George impressed.
In addition to the former first-rounders, Washington also saw plenty of promise from a former second-round pick in Tristan Vukcevic and a hidden gem in Justin Champagnie.
All that to say, the Wizards have found plenty of key pieces for their rebuild throughout this season.
However, there may be another difference-maker that the team and their fanbase are forgetting about.
Saddiq Bey set to return in 2025-26
Saddiq Bey was drafted with the No. 19 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons. The Villanova product immediately made an impact at the start of his career in Detroit becoming a reliable starter for the Pistons.
After three seasons in Detroit, Bey was dealt to the Atlanta Hawks ahead of the trade deadline, where he'd play for two seasons before signing with the Washington Wizards in free agency.
When Bey joined the Wizards, he was still rehabbing a torn ACL that would ultimately make him miss the entire 2024-25 season. Down the stretch, the forward seemed to be nearing a return, being assigned to Washington's G-League affiliate the Capital City Go-Go. However, with the Wizards out of playoff contention, there was no reason to rush his return to the main roster.
Heading into the offseason, Bey will have the opportunity to return to full health and enter next season with the Wizards, where he has a good chance to earn a sizable role.
Throughout his career, the 26-year-old is averaging 14.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.8 assists, while shooting 40.8% from field goal range and 35.2% from three.
Bey will be the exact 3-and-D player that could help elevate the Wizards next season. Not to mention he has the upside to develop into even more than a role player.