After a disappointing playoff exit, the Milwaukee Bucks are going to face an offseason with more questions than answers. In all of these, though, the team is projected to keep Malik Beasley for next season in a bid to remain competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Beasley first entered the league as the Denver Nuggets’ 19th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. That period saw the former Florida State star play limited minutes during his first two years with the team. Eventually, the shooting guard saw his minutes increase, as well as his productivity on the court.
After his stint in Denver, Beasley would bounce around the league to play for various teams. Some of these include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, and Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout that stretch, the guard would establish his reputation as a reliable scorer, both as a starter and as part of the reserve unit.
In his eighth NBA season, Beasley signed a one-year $2 million contract with the Bucks for the 2023-24 campaign. Throughout 79 games, 77 of which he played as a starter next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the former Nuggets rookie averaged 11.3 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game. He also shot 44 percent from the field, 41 percent from deep, and 71 percent from the free-throw line.
Milwaukee Bucks Projected To Keep Malik Beasley in Free Agency
Along with guard Patrick Beverley and forward Jae Crowder, Beasley is slated to enter free agency once it formally starts soon. In an article by Zach Buckley for Bleacher Report, the Bucks will do well to retain him for next season.
“Crowder never quite fit the way he should have on paper, so if the Bucks can only afford one, it’d be between Beasley and Beverley. While the latter handled a heavier workload in the playoffs, the former still feels like the preference.
Beasley’s skill tree may not have many branches, but it’s built around a three-ball that typically runs between warm and red-hot. Since Milwaukee will never have too many spacers around Giannis Antetokounmpo, it makes sense to prioritize the superior shooter,” Buckley wrote.
Keeping Beasley around to work with the Greek Freak made a lot of sense since he can provide spacing around the two-time MVP. However, the Bucks should search for defensive aces to cover for Beasley’s weaknesses on that end of the court if they choose to retain him.
The Bucks are going to enter the offseason with a lot of questions hanging over their heads. In any case, keeping Beasley around may be beneficial if the team wants to contend for another ring.
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