2016 NBA Draft Scouting Report: Malik Beasley

25th and Last place. What are those numbers?

That’s the position the Philadelphia 76ers finished in terms of efficiency and scoring at the shooting guard position.

The Sixers finished 25th in the NBA when it comes to points and production from their shooting guards (17.6 per game) while shooting a league worst 38 percent. The five teams that finished below them were: Dallas, Cleveland, Denver, Oklahoma City and Atlanta.

It doesn’t end there.

To top it all off, the Sixers ended dead last in offensive efficiency from the two-position. In 82 games, their shooting guards finished with an efficiency rating of 17. The Houston Rockets led the league with a rating of 32, but that’s because they have James Harden. (To see the full rankings, click here.)

There’s no question the team needs help and depth at shooting guard, and with the NBA Draft in 46 days what option do they have at pick 24 if they do not take one in the top five?

I got a name for you: Malik Beasley.

Name: Malik Beasley DOB: 11/26/1996 (19) School: Florida State

Height: 6’5 Weight: 196 Projected Position: SG

2015-16 Stats:

Season	School	Conf	MP	FG%	3P%	FT%	TRB	AST	STL	PTS
2015-16	Florida State	ACC	29.8	.471	.387	.813	5.3	1.5	0.9	15.6
Career	Florida State	29.8	.471	.387	.813	5.3	1.5	0.9	15.6

Provided by Sports-Reference.com/CBB: View Original Table

OFFENSE

His shot selection is good from the perimeter, although at times he will take and make some shots that are more difficult when he needs to take his time. Before the season began, Beasley came into college with an ability as a versatile shooter, and much of his skill was able to translate to the college game, which should translate to the NBA.

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He scored 23 points (16 shots) against Louisville, and they were the second-best defense in the country according to KenPom.com. Beasley scored 17 points (10 shots) on a great defensive team in Virginia, and 20 points (17 shots) on Iowa.

But at times he’ll rush a shot when the smart thing to do is back it out and set up the offense:

Beasley rotates into open spots quickly with his hands ready to shoot, which is good for an NBA prospect. The former Seminole is a very good spot shooter with decent form. However, he could work on making his shooting motion a little bit quicker as he tends to short arm his shots when he is rushed by a closing out defender. But his shooting mechanics are smooth.

Beasley uses his dribble and screens well to his advantage in order to create space for his shot. Including as a pick-and-roll ballhandler, both in the mid-range and long-range areas. Beasley shows he has the skill set to go either left or right, and he does a superb job getting square to the basket quickly. Beasley needs to be more consistent ability to shoot off the dribble in mid-range. Beasley also has shown his talent when it comes to his ability to get to the rim off the dribble and ability to absorb contact, which translates well to the NBA.

Check out his highlights against Mississippi State:

DEFENSE

Beasley has some potential as an on-ball defender with his athletic ability. The stats in the steals and blocks categories don’t tell the entire story. As an engaged defender, he shows a good defensive stance, but at times he likes to reach at the ball, although he doesn’t take many risks. Several things might hurt him when it comes to playing defense in the NBA, getting over screens and recognizing when he is guarding a good shooter. Beasley has a tendency to make going under screens his first choice, or looking for a switch. If he can’t improve in this aspect, his opponents in the NBA will exploit him tremendously.

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But every prospect has weaknesses, and Beasley can certainly be coached away from his. He would be a solid pickup in this NBA draft.

Projected Draft Value: Late 1st Round – Early 2nd Round.