Denver Nuggets' Outlooks: The Sleeper, Malik Beasley
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Malik Beasley (Florida State) is interviewed after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Beasley showcased his talent against Toronto and could prove to be the steal of the draft for the Denver Nuggets if he continues this momentum.
Malik Beasley has been a pleasant surprise for Denver so far. The second round draft pick that had some fans skeptical has proven to be worth the selection. A smooth jump shot, a great first preseason game, and a solid career at Florida State has helped him to be a key asset for the Nuggets. Any first year player that can go perfect from the field in their first preseason game is bound to spark some headlines.
As is the case with Murray, Beasley looks to have a great future with Denver. Furthermore, Beasley has the potential to solve the Nuggets’ perimeter shooting problems that have plagued them for the past couple of years.
If Malik Beasley can hit his ceiling, then who knows how valuable he can really become.
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Malik Beasley (Florida State) greets NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Beasley put up solid numbers in his first taste of NBA action
Beasley was able to go 4-4 from the field against Toronto. He meshed well with the rookies which is a great sign for the future.
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Malik provided a solid stat line of 9 points, a plus/minus of +7, and added a 3 pointer to his total as well.
If you take into consideration that he only played 10 minutes, then these statistics really showcase his efficiency.
If he can keep up this level of play, then Nuggets Nation just might see his minutes increase as the year goes on. It looks as if the Nuggets may have found their premier shooter for the future.
If these early results are any indication, then Beasley may be more than just a shooter for Denver which will be great.
He still has aspects of him game to work on, but overall this was a solid first showing for all his critics.
Feb 25, 2016; Durham, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) looks to inbound the ball during the second half as Duke Blue Devils fans harass him at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke won 80-65. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Beasley is moving on from college, but it would be foolish not to analyze the numbers he posted in his short stint with Florida State
While Malik Beasley had to miss Summer League action, he posted some impressive numbers in college. He put up a solid offensive rating of 117.5 per 100 possessions along with a true shooting percentage of 58%. His offensive win share was 2.9 to go along with a total win share of 4 and an effective field goal percentage of 54%.
Let’s also not overlook his efficiency. In college, Beasley possessed an offensive box plus/minus of 5 and a total box/plus minus of 5.7.
Of course his specialty falls under his scoring, primarily his ability to shoot the rock. Beasley posted a free throw percentage of 81%. This is key since Denver has needed help in this area for a few years now. He also shot an impressive 3 point percentage of almost 39% to couple with a field goal percentage of 47%.
If these statistics prove anything, it’s that Malik Beasley will be able to adapt to NBA life with the Denver Nuggets who believe in him.
Mar 8, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Malik Beasley (5) shots the ball as Boston College Eagles forward Aser Ghebremichael (21) defends in the first half during round one of the ACC Conference tournament at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Malik has the potential to be a deadly 3 point marksman
Malik Beasley will have a bigger role than many fans think. Beasley may not carve out very many minutes right off the bat, but if he continues playing well, we will see more and more of him. With quality minutes, he will be called upon to be a go-to 3 point specialist in his rookie season.
Keep in mind the Nuggets also have one of the best shooters in the game in Mike Miller who will be able to coach Beasley a bit as well. Miller is also a great veteran presence for a young talent like Beasley to be guided by in his first year.
So far, it appears that Denver hit a home run with drafting the Florida State sensation.