Michael Beasley Resumes His World Tour, Signs With The Knicks
News
Longtime journeyman Michael Beasley signed a one-year deal with the New York Knicks on Tuesday, Aug. 8, for the veteran’s minimum.
Team Expectation
Beasley, a 6-foot-9 left-handed man out of Kansas State, was signed as a small forward, in a relatively low-risk, high-reward gamble for the New York Knicks’ brass, who are trying to unload Carmelo Anthony prior to the beginning of the season. Beasley, a former No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA draft, is no Anthony, but brings scoring to a team that managed just over 104 points per game last season, ranking 17th in the NBA.
There is an opportunity for Beasley, who averaged 9.4 points and 16 minutes per game with the Milwaukee Bucks last season, to start for the Knicks, if Anthony is moved. He could also provide quality minutes off the bench, spelling Lance Thomas.
Reality
Beasley is no spring chicken. He will turn 29 this season, and his year-to-year bounce from team-to-team speaks for itself, as he’s played for seven pro teams including two stints in the Chinese Basketball Association.
He averaged career-highs in field goal (53.2%) and three-point percentage (41.9%) last year. He also played in (56) and started (6) more games than he has since the 2012-2013 season.
Nevertheless, teams never really know what to expect from B-Easy. He is a gifted scorer, who shows flashes of brilliance, but can also tend to disappear at times.
Impact
Beasley’s signing won’t calm the fears of Knicks fans, as the franchise faces turmoil in the wake of the Phil Jackson era. Jackson was a $60 million mistake, cemented in his ways and unsuccessful in the Big Apple, despite some early promise.
The team is in a rebuilding stage, but has pieces to work with, such as 22-year-old power forward Kristaps Porzingis, All-Rookie center Willie Hernangomez and shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr., whom the team signed to a four-year $71 million offer sheet this off-season. The Anthony deal needs to get done soon and the team recently started reengaging with interested parties, like the Houston Rockets.
Following the Anthony divorce, the Knicks should address Joakim Noah’s abysmal contract. The 32-year-old center is making $18 million a year for the next three years, will miss the first ten games of the season for violating the league’s anti-drug policy, and will likely be confined to a bench role upon his return. In contrast, Beasley’s deal was a one-year $2,116,955, the veteran’s minimum. Beasley appeared in 10 more games than Noah did in 2016.
Opinion
This is a great deal for the Knicks. Not only do they get a ten-year veteran who can score, they get a guy who still has some tread on his tires for the veteran’s minimum. This is an excellent opportunity for Beasley to demonstrate his abilities and put up some numbers, as he moves into his tenth professional season.
The Knicks’ starting lineup is beginning to materialize. 2017 first round pick (8th overall) Frank Ntilikina is expected to see time at point behind second-year guard Ron Baker, with Tim Hardaway Jr. filling the other guard spot. Beasley is the best small forward option on the team, after Anthony, so he will likely be penciled into a starting role. At power forward, Porzingis, who is entering his third season, is primed to impress, as is Hernangomez who looks to build off a promising rookie campaign.
If the front office can get its act together and the team can add another piece, or some picks, in a ‘Melo trade, then the Knicks might just be OK. It’s no ‘super team,’ but it might be fun to watch.
