Feb 4, 2017; San Antonio, TX, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (25) shoots against San Antonio Spurs forward Jonathon Simmons (17) and guard Kyle Anderson (1) during the second half at the AT&T Center. The Spurs won 121-97. Mandatory Credit: Brendan Maloney-USA TODAY Sports
Malik Beasley has been doing all the right things this season.
As the season rages on, the Nuggets are fighting for the playoffs in the Western Conference.
So far, Denver has found a good way to mix in their young players and veterans with playing time, except for one decision.
If there is anybody on the Nuggets’ bench that deserves more time on the floor, it is none other than one of their rookies, Malik Beasley.
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There are many reasons why he needs more playing time, and why he could be a great asset.
First up, it has been very hard to find a better bench presence than Malik. Whether it’s celebrating a great play off of the bench, to staying involved in the locker room and off-the-court.
This can be shown on his Twitter account (@Mbeasy5), as he constantly writes very positive and supporting things about himself, his fans, and the organization.
The Nuggets even went so far as to have a “Beasley Bench Cam” for some games on their Twitter account, and it is always a fun sight to see.
Nov 16, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (25) during the game against the against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver might as well use him, so his talent doesn’t go to waste.
Another reason why he deserves more playing time is the idea of losing possible experience.
If Denver felt that he was good enough to use a first round pick on him, what is the point of having him if he won’t see the floor?
If he doesn’t get in the game, Malik loses the possible experience that he could have gained in the situation. Personally, when I watch Malik Beasley play, whether it be college tapes, practices, shoot-arounds, in-game, I see talent and potential. I think he could be a great player, but his talent is not being used correctly if Coach Malone won’t give him minutes.
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Lastly, his production for the amount of minutes that he has received has been pretty good so far.
While averaging only 5.4 minutes per game, Malik is currently at 3.1 point per game, while shooting a respectable 42 percent from the field.
Not only that, but he is shooting a pretty good percentage from three as well, as it is right around 38 percent.
I can think of two specific examples of games that Malik showed what he can do, and they are polar opposites.
Nov 23, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) drives to the hoop against Denver Nuggets guard Malik Beasley (25) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Utah Jazz defeated the Denver Nuggets 108-83. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Beasley has provided great samples so far.
First up is a game against the Golden State Warriors earlier in the season. It was a blowout, so naturally, the bench players got more action than they normally would have. Beasley, however, took advantage of the opportunity.
Malik was great in this game, as in 14 minutes, he had 12 points, an assist, and two rebounds. He also shot 50 percent from the field, and a good 40 percent from beyond the arc. He finished with the second most points on the team, behind fellow rookie Jamal Murray, who had 14.
Secondly is a recent game against the Dallas Mavericks, where Beasley showed what he could do in an incredibly small time.
Malik played only one minute in the win over Dallas, but in that minute his stat-line says it all. He had four points (2-3 from the field), an assist, and a rebound. Now I know what you may be thinking, “That’s not that great of numbers!” Well, it is when he only sees the floor for one minute.
He took advantage of the small amount of opportunities he was given, and did everything he could do in that time.
I’m not saying that we need to give him the most minutes on the bench unit. I’m also not saying that he needs to out-shine his fellow rookies, Jamal Murray and Juancho Hernangomez. What I am saying is that he deserves more playing time than he has been getting so far into the season.
If he ends up playing well, then the Nuggets would have another play-maker that could assist them in their run for the playoffs. If he didn’t, then Denver could just go back to using him like they are now.
No harm, no foul as they say, and with Malik Beasley, this is definitely the case.
