Malik Beasley: The Untapped Potential the Pistons Can't Afford to Miss

Pistons fans, let's talk about a player whose brief stint in Detroit might have left more questions than answers, but whose potential still screams opportunity: Malik Beasley. After a whirlwind season that saw him bounce from the Lakers to the Jazz and finally to our very own Pistons, it's time to seriously consider if he deserves another shot to prove his worth in the Motor City.

The Detroit Pistons are a team in dire need of floor spacing.

We all know the struggles: ranking 29th in the league in three-point percentage is simply not sustainable for a team looking to build around dynamic playmakers like Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey. Imagine Cade driving to the basket, or Ivey bursting past defenders, only to find the paint clogged. This is where a legitimate perimeter threat becomes invaluable, and Malik Beasley, when given the chance, has proven he can be exactly that.

Before landing in Detroit, Beasley was lighting it up for the Utah Jazz, sinking 40% of his three-pointers in 13 games.

That's not just good; that's elite-level shooting that any team would covet. Unfortunately, his time with the Pistons after the trade deadline was too fragmented to truly showcase his capabilities. He played only 26 games, a limited sample size that hardly allowed him to settle in and find his rhythm within a new system.

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: his $16.5 million team option for the upcoming season.

While that might seem like a hefty sum for a player who hasn't fully delivered in Detroit, consider the context. In today's NBA, where shooting is at an absolute premium, this figure could very well represent a bargain for a proven sniper. More importantly, it's a team option, which means the Pistons hold all the cards.

This isn't a long-term, albatross contract; it's a flexible, low-risk proposition.

For a rebuilding team like the Pistons, taking a calculated risk on a player with Beasley's upside makes perfect sense. He didn't get a fair shake last season, shuffled around the league and forced to adapt on the fly.

Giving him a full training camp, a consistent role, and the stability he needs could unleash the consistent sharpshooter we saw in Utah and, at times, in Minnesota. Picture him on the wing, stretching defenses, creating crucial lanes for our young stars, and giving them the space they desperately need to operate.

By exercising Beasley's team option, the Pistons aren't just bringing back a player; they're investing in a solution to one of their most glaring weaknesses.

It's a chance for Beasley to truly show what he can do in a stable environment, and a chance for the Pistons to add a vital piece to their offensive puzzle without committing long-term capital. It's a win-win scenario that could pay significant dividends. The Motor City deserves to see the full potential of Malik Beasley, and it's a shot worth taking.