What Malik Beasley Brings To The Milwaukee Bucks

Malik Beasley, a notable addition to the Milwaukee Bucks, signed in free agency on a veteran minimum contract. Considering the terms of his deal, it’s challenging to find a player who can provide a more significant impact for the Bucks.

Beasley has had a nomadic journey in the NBA recently, suiting up for the Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, and Minnesota Timberwolves over the past two seasons. His arrival in Milwaukee marks the fifth destination in his career thus far.

The veteran minimum contract he signed represents a significant decrease from his previous deal, which paid him $15.6 million last season. In conversations with Jazz reporters last year, Beasley acknowledged the need to improve his reputation around the league. That’ll take maturation on the basketball court, an opportunity Milwaukee hopes to provide him with.

To familiarize ourselves with his game, let’s check out what he brings to Milwaukee.

Catch-and-Shoot Threes

At his core, Beasley’s an offensive-minded gunner who possesses a shoot-first mentality, a characteristic often shared by many great sixth men in the league’s history. He excels in catch-and-shoot situations, showing a particular fondness for launching three-pointers. In other words, he’s not shy.

Here’s how he’s fared over the last three seasons on catch-and-shoot threes:

• 2022-23: 6 attempts per game (3rd in NBA) at 35.7 percent
• 2021-22: 6.5 (2nd) at 38.1 percent
• 2020-21: 6.2 (5th) at 41.3 percent

This aspect aligns perfectly with what the Bucks are seeking. With Giannis Antetokounmpo drawing significant attention from opposing defenses, it creates opportunities for shooters on the perimeter. While the Bucks may incorporate more off-ball cuts and movement this season, Beasley’s role is expected to be primarily that of a spot-up shooter. His ability to find open spaces and knock down shots will be crucial in capitalizing on the scoring opportunities created by Antetokounmpo and the team’s offensive system.

The second clip, in particular, will be a familiar scene that plays out for Milwaukee. LeBron James takes his man into the short corner, drawing an extra defender in the process. This forces the rest of the defense to scramble on the weakside, allowing James to whip a cross-court pass to Beasley for a knock-down three.

Playmaking

While Beasley’s assist percentage has only ranked above average for his position once in his career, according to Cleaning the Glass, his playmaking contributions shouldn’t be a primary focus for Milwaukee. It’s unlikely that the team will run their offense through him or rely on him as a primary facilitator.

Instead, Beasley’s greatest impact will be felt on the perimeter, where he faces decisions on whether to shoot or keep the ball moving. Finding the right balance in these situations will be crucial for his growth and development. If he can make sound decisions and contribute to ball movement while showcasing his scoring prowess, it would be a positive sign of progress in his career.

Athleticism

At 6-foot-4, Beasley displays decent athleticism, which enables him to play above the rim and excel in rebounding situations. His athleticism becomes particularly evident in transition, where he can finish with emphatic dunks or acrobatic layups.

However, Beasley’s athleticism doesn’t necessarily translate to success in halfcourt situations around the rim. He is not known for putting significant pressure on the defense with dribble drives, as evidenced by the fact that less than 10 percent of his shots last season came from within four feet of the hoop, according to Cleaning the Glass.

Defensive Potential

Beasley’s athleticism and length give him the potential to make defensive contributions. However, thus far, that potential has remained mostly theoretical and hasn’t fully manifested on the court.

One of the noticeable issues is his occasional lack of engagement on the defensive end. He has been seen at times appearing disinterested and going through the motions. Ball-watching on the help-side has been a particular concern, leading to him losing track of his assigned man.

It’ll be intriguing to see how he fits into the defensive scheme of the Bucks’ new head coach, Adrian Griffin, who emphasizes pressure and intensity. There is a possibility that under Griffin’s guidance, Beasley could develop into an average defender, unlocking his potential on that end of the court.

Postseason Impact

The ultimate question regarding his impact on the Bucks lies in how he’ll contribute during the postseason. However, the answer to that query remains uncertain and will largely depend on the moves the Bucks make in terms of wing players this offseason.

As of now, Khris Middleton and Pat Connaughton are expected to have secured spots in the playoff rotation, given their established roles and performances. Grayson Allen, who impressed in the previous postseason, is also a strong contender for another wing spot.

During his stint with the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs against the Memphis Grizzlies, Beasley was part of the rotation. However, he was subsequently benched in the following rounds due to shooting struggles and defensive limitations. In the playoffs, if Beasley isn’t able to consistently make shots, his defensive liabilities become more pronounced, making it challenging for him to see the court.

The Bucks likely have one remaining spot in the rotation during the early playoff rounds. Beasley will have to compete against players like MarJon Beauchamp and potentially others they bring in (such as Wesley Matthews) for that spot. It’ll be a competitive battle, but Beasley will have an opportunity to prove himself and earn playing time during the crucial moments of the postseason.