Injuries to Tim Hardaway Jr. and Kristaps Porzingis have given Michael Beasley opportunities to play more often than expected and he has been effective, Alex Squadron of the New York Post writes. In his last five games, Beasley has posted double digits in points three times, including a 30-point effort against the Rockets on November 25 and a 21-point performance against the Magic on Sunday.
“I just go out there and do what the coach asks me to do and my team needs,” Beasley said. “Stay ready, and be ready to do what I do.”
Beasley, 28, has gone from a No.2 overall pick to a traveled journeyman who can still be productive in stretches. He famously labeled himself a “walking bucket” after signing with the Knicks. While there’s no telling how long Beasley will continue to start and make an impact, head coach Jeff Hornacek acknowledged the importance of role players stepping up.
“We have to have everyone contribute a little bit more,” Hornacek said. “We had Beasley step into that scoring role.”
Check out other Atlantic Division notes below:
- The Nets have been aggressive in trying to expand their brand across the globe, something that has not gone unnoticed by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, Brian Lewis of the New York Post writes. “They’ve been to China with us, they’ve been to London and now Mexico City. I credit team president Brett Yormark, who seems particularly interested extending the Brooklyn Nets brand globally,” Silver said.
- Speaking of the Nets‘ weekend visit to Mexico to face the Thunder and Heat, the team is keeping their plan to stay hydrated and prepare for the trip mum, Lewis writes in a separate story.
- Jonathan Tjarks of The Ringer examined the Raptors‘ formula to not only remaining effective but keeping the entire team involved. Toronto has constructed a roster of younger players who play with a high tempo; the Raptors also have 12 players on the team averaging at least 12 minutes per game.
- A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston writes that the Celtics may end up using their Disabled Player Exception — which they acquired after Gordon Hayward‘s season-ending ankle injury — closer to the trade deadline — if they use it at all.