The Milwaukee Bucks are eight days away from their regular season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers and are 2-2 in their preseason performances. While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard both played in Tuesday’s contest, one player in particular had himself a night: Malik Beasley.
The Bucks’ New Fifth Man?
With Grayson Allen being traded to the Phoenix Suns in a three-team deal that brought Lillard to Milwaukee, the Bucks were on the lookout for their new starting shooting guard. Coach Griffin had a couple of options available but it’s evident that one man stands out from the rest: Malik Beasley.
The 26-year-old signed a one-year deal with the franchise after playing with both the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz last season, averaging 12.7 points per game.
In the Bucks’ first preseason win over the Chicago Bulls, Beasley came out and showed out, impressing head coach Adrian Griffin. Beasley had 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals, playing on a level of defense that stood out to coach:
We talked about this prior to this game and his role going forward into the season, that he’s going to have to take the toughest assignments most nights. With his 3-point shooting capabilities, I think he showcased [Sunday] why he complements our roster.”
Beasley played in Tuesday’s loss against the Oklahoma City Thunder, but led the Bucks in scoring with 20 points in 20 minutes of action, shooting 7-of-13 from the floor, and 6-of-11 from behind the arc. He also snagged four rebounds and had one assist.
His best asset has to be his three-point shooting. Though the Bucks have Giannis and Dame who are also lethal weapons at the three-point line, Beasley is right up there and will be behind the duo to make sure the floor is theirs to attack.
Malik is COOKING! 🧑🍳 pic.twitter.com/SvEiEph2LU
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 18, 2023
Across four preseason games, Beasley is averaging 13 points on 42.4 percent shooting from the 3-point range. Having him play alongside Giannis, Dame, Khris Middleton, and Brook Lopez will allow the guard to thrive on the court. As we head into the last preseason game coming up, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see Beasley in the starting-five for that game, and even in the starting-five for opening night against the 76ers.
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