President Trajan Langdon approached the 2024 offseason with a clear mission: to boost the Detroit Pistons with much-needed shooting and veteran presences. He started strong by signing Tobias Harris to a two-year deal and followed up with a savvy one-year, $6 million contract for Malik Beasley. After a career-high 41% three-point season with the Bucks, Beasley adds 11.3 points and 3.7 rebounds to Detroit.
This strategic move not only adds a reliable shooter to a Pistons squad that struggled with three-point accuracy (ranking 26th in the NBA) but also gives new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff a seasoned player who can stretch the floor. Beasley’s presence is crucial for Detroit’s development, providing veteran leadership and clutch shooting.
However, if the Pistons face another tough season, Beasley’s affordable contract makes him an attractive trade asset for contending teams, potentially bringing valuable draft picks to Detroit. So, what exactly can Beasley bring to this Pistons team?
Analyzing the Impact Malik Beasley Will Have on the Pistons
Beasley Brings Elite Shooting
Since being selected 19th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2016 NBA Draft, Beasley has transformed into one of the NBA’s premier shooters. His elite shooting, shown by 224 three-pointers on 542 attempts last season, highlights his offensive prowess. Beasley ranked 11th in the NBA for total three-pointers made and averaged 2.8 per game, placing him in the top 25 league-wide.
Beasley’s addition is a game-changer for a Pistons team that struggled mightily in every three-point shooting category last season. His addition addresses weaknesses, boosts offense, and opens the floor, reassuring progress for the team.
Beasley Will Be an Offensive Spark Plug
While Beasley brings elite shooting to the table, his defensive game leaves much to be desired. Last season, he posted a defensive rating of 119.4. Despite possessing the potential size and athleticism to be a potentially solid defender, Beasley often appears disengaged on that end of the floor. His tendency to ball-watch on the help side frequently results in him losing track of his assigned man.
Former Bucks coach Adrian Griffin used Beasley as the primary defender against top perimeter players, yielding underwhelming results. To maximize Beasley’s lack of defense, the team needs strong defenders to compensate for his weaknesses. This setup lets him focus on his strengths: hunting shots and delivering scoring from beyond the arc.
Integrating Beasley into the Pistons’ system will require a delicate balance. Bickerstaff must craft intricate defensive schemes to shield Beasley while using his shooting to stretch the floor.
The Last Word
The Pistons’ signing of Beasley is a crucial and strategic move to address the team’s urgent need for shooting and veteran leadership. With Beasley’s exceptional ability to knock down three-pointers at an elite level, he immediately elevates the Pistons’ squad, transforming their offensive threat level. His presence will create spacing, spread the floor, and enhance scoring threats for the team.
While Beasley’s defensive limitations require consideration, strategic management, and support from strong defenders, his impact can be maximized. Beasley could be pivotal, driving the Pistons’ improvement during the season or serving as a valuable trade asset.
Beasley’s addition signals a promising step in the Pistons’ path to a more competitive future. With the proper support and strategic utilization, hw can significantly elevate Detroit and bring back excitement to their fanbase.
