© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Will Malik Beasley be the fifth starter of the Milwaukee Bucks?
Come opening night of the NBA’s new season, it is a certainty the Milwaukee Bucks will trot out two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, seven-time All-NBA member Damian Lillard, and All-Stars Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez. However, the question remains: who will join this fearsome foursome as the fifth starter?
Could it be veteran wingman Malik Beasley? If Bucks coach Adrian Griffin’s comments after their 105-102 win over the Chicago Bulls last Sunday are to be believed, Beasley seems to have the inside track.
Playing hard on defense
Beasley finished the game with 13 points, four rebounds, and two steals. His activity level on defense stood out for Griffin.
“First, he was playing hard on defense. 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 tonight why he complements our roster,” Griffin said.
The assignment of guarding the opposing team’s best guards previously fell on the shoulders of Jrue Holiday. With the defensive ace no longer with the team, Beasley said it’s up to him to do his part on that end of the floor.
“It’s all a mental thing. There are great players in the world, and most of them are shooting guards, so I gotta guard those guys. The best thing you can do is limit them. They’re going to make shots. They’re going to make tough shots,” Beasley remarked.
Floor spacing
Ultimately, Beasley’s best asset is his three-point shooting. With the Bucks employing two of the most lethal scorers in the league (Giannis and Dame), Beasley is one of the players tasked with making sure the floor is spaced properly for them to attack.
“It will be fun to see him out there spacing the floor when we get Dame and Giannis back and see how teams play those guys. You just gotta be a threat out there. Every guy that’s on the floor, you gotta be a threat. And he gives us some 3-point shooting and some spacing,” Griffin said.
