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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Michael Beasley signing

By Maxwell Ogden

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 20: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts to a three-point shot against the Toronto Raptors during the first half of Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at the BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 20, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 12: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on April 12, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – APRIL 12: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks drives to the basket against the Boston Celtics on April 12, 2017 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3. Positional Versatility

Michael Beasley is a power forward, but in this position-less NBA, he should have an even easier time playing the 3. If he manages to hold his own at the two forward spots, a number of intriguing possibilities could open up for the New York Knicks.

New York has an overwhelming number of forwards who need playing time, and having Beasley on a one-year deal could be the perfect way to clear cap space.

As it presently stands, New York has four small forwards on the roster: Carmelo Anthony, Beasley, Mindaugas Kuzminskas, and Lance Thomas. It has five players who could see minutes at power forward: Beasley, Luke Kornet, Kyle O’Quinn, Kristaps Porzingis, and Thomas.

Every one of those players is signed to a team-friendly deal, but the Knicks should find clarity early in the season as Beasley, a veteran, aims to push Thomas.

On the court, Beasley’s ability to play either forward position should make the rotation easier for Hornacek to manage. He can plug players in interchangeably and build a team that consistently maintains a level of athleticism in the front court.

Beasley may not be the best signing of the summer, but his versatility could enable the Knicks to part ways with a long-term contract—potentially: Thomas’ deal.