President Trajan Langdon entered the 2024 offseason with a steadfast goal: revamp the Detroit Pistons with much-needed shooting and veteran presence. His initial move was to secure Tobias Harris on a two-year deal, followed by a savvy one-year, $6 million contract for Malik Beasley. Beasley, coming off a career-high 41% three-point shooting season with the Bucks, brings 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds to Detroit.
The impact of Malik Beasley on the Pistons is a hot topic of discussion among basketball enthusiasts. Beasley’s addition not only addresses the Pistons’ struggles with three-point shooting (ranking 26th in the NBA), but also provides new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with a seasoned player capable of stretching the floor. Beasley’s presence offers veteran leadership and clutch shooting, vital for Detroit’s growth.
Selected 19th overall in the 2016 NBA Draft by the Denver Nuggets, Beasley has evolved into one of the league’s premier shooters. His elite shooting ability, evidenced by 224 three-pointers on 542 attempts last season, underscores his offensive prowess. Beasley ranked 11th in the NBA for total three-pointers made, averaging 2.8 per game to secure a spot in the top 25 league-wide.
Beasley’s arrival is a game-changer for the struggling Pistons, particularly in the realm of three-point shooting. His addition not only addresses weaknesses but also enhances the offense and opens up the floor, signaling progress for the team’s future.
Despite Beasley’s elite shooting, concerns linger over his defensive capabilities. With a defensive rating of 119.4 last season, Beasley has shown lapses on that end of the floor. While possessing the physical tools to be a solid defender, Beasley often appears disengaged and prone to ball-watching, losing track of his assigned man.
Former Bucks coach Adrian Griffin tasked Beasley with guarding top perimeter players, resulting in less-than-ideal outcomes. To mitigate Beasley’s defensive shortcomings, the team will need strong defenders to cover for him, allowing him to focus on what he does best: hunting shots and providing scoring from beyond the arc.
In conclusion, Malik Beasley’s presence on the Detroit Pistons brings much-needed shooting, veteran leadership, and offensive firepower. While his defensive weaknesses are a concern, strategic adjustments can maximize his strengths and elevate the Pistons to new heights in the upcoming season.
