Saddiq Bey grew up in an athletic household where both of his parents played basketball. His mother, Drewana Bey, also played collegiate basketball at the University of Charlotte.
Drewana is proud of her kid, who followed in her footsteps and continued their legacy on the basketball court.
Highlights
- Saddiq’s mother, Drewana Bey, played college basketball at UNC Charlotte and instilled his love for the game.
- His parents played a crucial role in his upbringing, with his mother being the most visible and influential figure in his life.
- He does not have a brother, and rumors linking him to Tyler Bey are false, as they share only the last name.
Saddiq missed the entire 2024-25 season with a torn left ACL and is expected to make a full recovery ahead of Opening Night in 2025-26.
However, the Washington Wizards, who signed a three-year contract in 2024, traded him to the New Orleans Pelicans in June 2025.
He could carve out a decent rotation role on the wings in New Orleans.
The New Orleans Pelicans are trading CJ McCollum, Kelly Olynyk and a future second-round pick to the Washington Wizards for Jordan Poole, Saddiq Bey and the No. 40 pick, sources tell ESPN.
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Saddiq began playing basketball at DeMatha Catholic High School, but transferred to Sidwell Friends School.
On November 2, 2017, he initially committed to North Carolina State but signed with Villanova on June 15.
Furthermore, the Detroit Pistons selected him in the first round with the 19th pick in the 2020 NBA draft and signed him on December 1.
Saddiq was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week on February 15, 2021, and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting.
On February 9, 2023, he was traded to the Atlanta Hawks, but he was ruled out for the rest of the season in 2024 due to an ACL tear.
Saddiq Bey’s Mother’s Impact On And Off The Court Fueled An NBA Star
Saddiq Jaleel Bey was born on April 9, 1999, in Charlotte, North Carolina. His path to NBA fame would not have been imaginable without the support of his family.
His family influence, particularly his mother, Dr. Drewana Bey, has shaped his career.
Saddiq Bey and his mom, after last night's @PackMensBball announcement. Both were immensely proud and should be! @TheWolfpacker @sfscoach5 pic.twitter.com/uhFuDJkVAH
— ron bailey (@HoyaNation) November 3, 2017
Drewana is not just a proud NBA mom but also an accomplished educator and former college basketball player. Her experience on the court undoubtedly inspired Saddiq’s love for the game.
Beyond basketball, she has dedicated over 22 years to the District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS), serving in various roles, including high school chemistry teacher, assistant principal, and principal.
Her commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, and she worked tirelessly to ensure that students had access to programs that prepared them for success.
Likewise, her leadership and passion for empowering young minds mirror the discipline and determination she instilled in her son.
While Saddiq’s father maintained a low profile, it’s clear that both parents have played a crucial role in his development. Their support and guidance helped shape him into the resilient and focused athlete he is today.
Nonetheless, his parents remain his biggest fans as he continues to make waves in the NBA.
Saddiq Bey Doesn’t Seem To Have A Brother
Despite some speculation, NBA forward Saddiq Bey appears to be an only child. While some sources have mistakenly linked him to professional basketball player Tyler Bey, the two are not brothers.
Tyler Tarik Bey, the son of Lavaughna Bey and Tyler Jones, was born on February 10, 1998, in Williamstown, New Jersey. He currently plays for Homenetmen Beirut in the Lebanese Basketball League (FLB).
For @YahooSports: Kevin Durant famously told his mother “You’re the real MVP” but Saddiq Bey’s mom, Drewana, was an actual MVP for UNC-Charlotte. Saddiq has a mom who blocked his shots, motivated him but also, kept his focus on education and ball. https://t.co/nxbrWnVUZQ pic.twitter.com/3WcTyo3bsz
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) May 9, 2021
Meanwhile, Saddiq Bey’s family background tells a different story.
Saddiq’s mother, Drewana Bey, initially pursued a career in basketball in college but left the sport after graduation.
She had planned to attend pharmacy school but became pregnant with Saddiq shortly after finishing her studies. Her focus shifted entirely to raising her son, ensuring he had a strong foundation.
Later, Drewana returned to Maryland and stepped into a seventh-grade classroom, where she discovered her calling as a teacher.
Despite coming from a family of educators, she initially resisted following that path.
Saddiq was likely raised as an only child with no verified siblings mentioned in his upbringing. The only person who was mentioned is his dedicated mother, who played a pivotal role in shaping his life and career.
Nonetheless, the confusion with Tyler Bey appears to be nothing more than a case of shared last names in the basketball world.
Additional Information
- Saddiq Jaleel Bey stands 2.01m tall and weighs about 215lbs.
- During his high school, 247Sports had ranked him a four-star recruit and 83rd-best player in his class.
- As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $6 million.
