2. Scoring Versatility
The versatility that Michael Beasley possesses as a scorer has been both a blessing and a curse during his NBA career. It’s piqued the interest of many around the Association, but it’s also resulted in his failing to find his footing without a significant role.
If the New York Knicks understand that Beasley is versatile, but not especially polished in any one specific area, they can put his skills to use.
Beasley finished the 2016-17 season with averages of 9.4 points per game and 20.3 points per 36 minutes. He did so on a slash line of .532/.419/.743, which are incredibly efficient scoring marks—even for a player who received limited scoring opportunities.
Beasley may not be the best scorer in the NBA, but he has the ability to put points on the board in a hurry—and there’s no way around that.
Beasley has a respectable outside shot, a limited, but occasionally effective post game, and value in the pick and roll. He’s comparable to a Markieff Morris in that sense, whom head coach Jeff Hornacek helped achieve a level of notoriety.
If Hornacek can help Beasley find his game in the way that he did Morris in Phoenix, then this could be a solid signing.