Malik Beasley finally announced that he’s signing with a basketball team but it wasn’t one that anyone expected: the Santurce Crabbers in Puerto Rico. The Pistons have been dominant without him this season, but his absence has still loomed over the fanbase. Many fans had hoped to get him back at some point in this season, but this decision practically eliminates that possibility.
Malik Beasley won't be back on the Pistons any time soon
Beasley's surprising investigation related to sports gambling back in free agency shook up the entire NBA landscape and forced the Pistons to adjust last minute. Fortunately, Detroit's front office made wise moves to build an elite team without him. But they are still missing Beasley's essential skill: long-range shooting.
For that reason, some fans have clung on to the pipe dream that Beasley would get cleared at some point in the season and rejoin the Pistons for the playoffs. This was always an unlikely scenario, but Beasley signing with an overseas team should crush it for good. His next professional season will begin next month in Puerto Rico, and the odds of him returning to the NBA this season decrease with each passing day.
It's been a real shame to have Beasley sidelined for off-court reasons all season long. His 16 points per game last season on historic shooting would've been a great help for the Pistons' halfcourt offense now. But instead, the Pistons have had to rely on dominating the paint to score points without the same 3-point volume from their shooters.
Duncan Robinson has done a good job of filling in for Beasley as the Pistons' primary shooter. But it's become increasingly clear that Detroit needs more than just one shooter to solidify itself as a championship contender. Having Beasley and Robinson as potent shooting threats would do wonders for the offense and potentially be the fix they need.
But that possibility will have to wait until the conclusion of Beasley's gambling investigation. His signing with a Puerto Rican team shows that no NBA team was willing to take a risk on his status. Most likely, the league has practically prohibited teams from signing him until the investigation is complete.
As sad as it is, there is one silver lining in Beasley's new announcement for Pistons fans. It should help them let go of the past and embrace their current team for all its strengths and weaknesses. The Pistons who have played this season have been tremendous on the court, and they deserve their respect as potential title contenders.
Malik Beasley isn't coming to save the Pistons' shooting any time soon, and fans need to finally accept that harsh reality.