Denver Nuggets: Is Malik Beasley ready to break out?

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 09: Malik Beasley #25 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a technical foul in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 09: Malik Beasley #25 of the Denver Nuggets shoots a technical foul in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on February 9, 2018 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

The Denver Nuggets’ Malik Beasley has struggled to carve out minutes the last couple of seasons.

The Denver Nuggets have a diamond in the rough on their hands with Malik Beasley. While Beasley does have a tough time carving out meaningful minutes in Coach, Michael Malone’s rotation, the potential is there for a break out season.

More from Nugg Love

Per basketball reference, Beasley has only averaged a total of 8.9 minutes played per game throughout his short career.

However, in the limited playing time he has received, he has shown some solid flashes of basketball brilliance. He has a career average of shooting 33.6% from three point territory and also possessed a career offensive rating of 103. Not to mention, he also has a true shooting percentage of 51.7% for the past two seasons.

While these numbers may not exactly be All Star caliber numbers, they could also be a lot worse. These particular numbers show that Beasley can be a solid contributor if given the necessary playing time with the second unit. However, the key is going to be Michael Malone. Malone has to be willing to give the kid a chance and actually trust him in meaningful moments of the game. Not just garbage time when the outcome has already been decided.

We have seen Beasley show the heart and grit to come through big already in Summer League. He may not have had the greatest outing this past summer, but that was in part due to Monte Morris stealing the show for the Denver Nuggets.

Beasley has shown the work ethic needed to succeed as an NBA player and it is time for the Nuggets’ coaching staff to give him a chance.

With a chance, he could prove to be yet another steal for the Denver Nuggets. With meaningful minutes, he could have a break out year.