Even though the Detroit Pistons have exceeded all expectations this season, shooting remains a real weakness. If the Pistons end up falling short in the playoffs, the lack of elite shooters on the team will likely be a big reason why.
That is also why Pistons fans desperately wanted the team to re-sign Malik Beasley in the offseason. The veteran shooting guard was on the verge of signing a new deal in Detroit before he was put under investigation for gambling on NBA games.
Since then, Beasley has been away from the league. The U.S. Attorney's office hasn't found enough incriminating evidence on Beasley so far, yet he also hasn't been cleared by the league to return to action.
Malik Beasley Isn't in the Clear Yet
Pistons general manager Trajan Langdon gave an update on Wednesday and said that Beasley is still under an NBA investigation and "is not sure when that will conclude," per team insider Jeremy Otto.
While that pours cold water on Beasley's imminent return to the Pistons, it doesn't entirely close the door on the possibility. What makes things more complicated is the fact that Beasley hasn't played an NBA game in over nine months. Additionally, the Pistons currently don't have an open roster spot and would have to cut someone to make room for Beasley.
Whether the 29-year-old sharpshooter would be able to make an impact right away without a training camp or ramp-up period is unclear.
If he is anywhere near where he was last year, Beasley would immediately be a key part of the Pistons rotation. He made 41.6% of his threes last season on a whopping 9.3 attempts per game, a remarkable combination of volume and accuracy. Only two teams in the league have a lower three-point attempt rate and make fewer threes per game than Detroit this season.
Duncan Robinson is the only Pistons player making more than two threes a game. He is currently the only elite threat from downtown on the roster.
On paper, Beasley would obviously help this team. Yet, there are other factors that need to be considered. The Pistons are playing extremely well, and Beasley may be an unnecessary distraction. If Beasley is ready and allowed to make his NBA return, the Pistons should seriously consider it, but it's a possibility perhaps best revisited in the offseason.