The Pistons offered a lot of insight on media day, with players and personnel covering a wide variety of topics. They delved into individual player progressions, the team’s ambitions and reflections on last season. But a major omission was Malik Beasley’s status and the Pistons’ plans around him.
News has died down on the Malik Beasley front
The entire summer has been a very confusing one for Pistons fans wondering about Malik Beasley. After initially being in line for a multi-year deal from the Pistons, Beasley got caught up in a federal investigation regarding sports gambling. These serious allegations naturally paused the Pistons’ contract negotiations with him at the time.
Later, it was reported that Beasley was cleared of the probe but semantics have made the situation even murkier. Now we are in a state of limbo with Beasley for the last several weeks that has offered no further resolution. Fans aren’t even sure if he’s still being investigated by the government or NBA, let alone if he will be on the Pistons this season.
Fans have looked to even the smallest signs, such as Ron Holland taking Beasley’s jersey number from last season or Beasley being in the same vacation spot as Cade Cunningham, for clues about his future with the team. Some fans were hoping for more clarity from Pistons president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon in his press conference, but he only touched on it in passing.
Beasley remains unsigned and uncertain, although the most recent reports seemed to indicate his preference for resigning with Detroit if he’s cleared of wrongdoing. The Pistons still have one roster spot open which he could slot into.
Beasley’s addition to the current roster would be ideal, adding another shooter to a team lacking in top-tier 3-point threats. Putting him on the court with Duncan Robinson could wreak havoc on opposing defenses as they struggle to contain both of the elite marksmen running around screens. And it would only serve to open up the floor more for other players.
Beasley is coming off the best season of his career in Detroit. On the court, he had a historic campaign shooting the ball from deep. Off the court, he embraced the city and became a favorite amongst fans and teammates.
It’s a shame we likely won’t see him suit up for the Pistons to start the season. His investigation represents the ever-expanding reach of sports betting on the NBA. Whatever the outcome may be, the investigations will hopefully end soon and Pistons fans can have some clarity on their team’s final roster for this season.