Malik Beasley: Allegations of Gambling

[Cowology]

TL has been incredibly conservative in terms of "character". He's prioritized veteran leadership & professionalism over raw talent/production. Beasley over-performed his contract with us, but I maintain my belief that nobody wants to touch this guy. We may be busy fantasizing about on-court production, but you may have guys in that lockerroom questioning whether Beas was manipulating numbers last season. And yeah, it's human nature to think about that kinda stuff and I guarantee it's crossed the mind of every person on that roster. Saying he "wasn't charged by the FBI" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement and it doesn't undo the weeks long speculation by his former teammates.

I expect Langdon to consider this too high risk atm. Having already filled the roster spots there is no real need. Best to just move on and allow his situation to continue playing out however it's going to play out.

[NYPiston]

i forget the list of teams but there's like 5-6 that can offer more. brooklyn still has cap space more than we can pay beasley and there's like 5ish teams that have their full non-taxpayer MLE (~$14M) that they can offer.

money aside, i think the biggest detractor for him re-signing with us at this point is how many minutes he'll get and what his role will be. we'd have to stretch to a 10-man rotation and beasley's role with duncan being a movement shooter definitely takes away from what beasley did so well for us last season.

I think it's most certainly not the Pistons. There are other teams that can offer more playing time and money, lesser teams but I'm pretty sure he only cares about money and playing time. I also don't think he fits the culture anymore considering the off court things so I don't see him coming here.

[Snakebites]

TL has been incredibly conservative in terms of "character". He's prioritized veteran leadership & professionalism over raw talent/production. Beasley over-performed his contract with us, but I maintain my belief that nobody wants to touch this guy. We may be busy fantasizing about on-court production, but you may have guys in that lockerroom questioning whether Beas was manipulating numbers last season. And yeah, it's human nature to think about that kinda stuff and I guarantee it's crossed the mind of every person on that roster. Saying he "wasn't charged by the FBI" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement and it doesn't undo the weeks long speculation by his former teammates.

I expect Langdon to consider this too high risk atm. Having already filled the roster spots there is no real need. Best to just move on and allow his situation to continue playing out however it's going to play out.

This is definitely a splash of cold water, but probably a needed one.

I personally would love to see Beasley back IF it can work out, but yeah, one factor I've overlooked is the locker room. How do Beasley's teammates feel about this whole situation? Are they comfortable playing with this guy? Do they think he might have shaved points or manipulated numbers in any way? If there's any kind of tension like that I'd think it would be a deal breaker.

[Invictus88]

TL has been incredibly conservative in terms of "character". He's prioritized veteran leadership & professionalism over raw talent/production. Beasley over-performed his contract with us, but I maintain my belief that nobody wants to touch this guy. We may be busy fantasizing about on-court production, but you may have guys in that lockerroom questioning whether Beas was manipulating numbers last season. And yeah, it's human nature to think about that kinda stuff and I guarantee it's crossed the mind of every person on that roster. Saying he "wasn't charged by the FBI" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement and it doesn't undo the weeks long speculation by his former teammates.

I expect Langdon to consider this too high risk atm. Having already filled the roster spots there is no real need. Best to just move on and allow his situation to continue playing out however it's going to play out.

This is definitely a splash of cold water, but probably a needed one.

I personally would love to see Beasley back IF it can work out, but yeah, one factor I've overlooked is the locker room. How do Beasley's teammates feel about this whole situation? Are they comfortable playing with this guy? Do they think he might have shaved points or manipulated numbers in any way? If there's any kind of tension like that I'd think it would be a deal breaker.

Am I right in stating that, other than the gambling itself, that all of the other issues regarding Beasley were likely known in the locker room last year too? Especially likely to those close to him? (There were rumblings of this stuff while he was in Milwaukee and a couple of lawsuits that were public earlier this year)

I ask because if it's true then the Pistons brass were ready to give the guy a 3 year contract despite all of that.

If the gambling revelations are new then I can see a world where maybe some of his teammates could become suspicious I guess? But on the other hand he was a primary factor for the team's success last year. And doesn't being under a microscope now also make it extremely unlikely that he would ever do anything further?

I'm not super worried either way? He'd be a nice to have at this point; especially if he can be had cheaply. I just think if we don't end up getting him that locker room concerns specifically are not likely to be a reason as to why.

[Snakebites]

TL has been incredibly conservative in terms of "character". He's prioritized veteran leadership & professionalism over raw talent/production. Beasley over-performed his contract with us, but I maintain my belief that nobody wants to touch this guy. We may be busy fantasizing about on-court production, but you may have guys in that lockerroom questioning whether Beas was manipulating numbers last season. And yeah, it's human nature to think about that kinda stuff and I guarantee it's crossed the mind of every person on that roster. Saying he "wasn't charged by the FBI" isn't exactly a ringing endorsement and it doesn't undo the weeks long speculation by his former teammates.

I expect Langdon to consider this too high risk atm. Having already filled the roster spots there is no real need. Best to just move on and allow his situation to continue playing out however it's going to play out.

This is definitely a splash of cold water, but probably a needed one.

I personally would love to see Beasley back IF it can work out, but yeah, one factor I've overlooked is the locker room. How do Beasley's teammates feel about this whole situation? Are they comfortable playing with this guy? Do they think he might have shaved points or manipulated numbers in any way? If there's any kind of tension like that I'd think it would be a deal breaker.

Am I right in stating that, other than the gambling itself, that all of the other issues regarding Beasley were likely known in the locker room last year too? Especially likely to those close to him? (There were rumblings of this stuff while he was in Milwaukee and a couple of lawsuits that were public earlier this year)

"Other than the gambling itself".

But the gambling itself IS the issue here right? His off court and financial issues don't directly impact the game.

We simply don't know enough about this issue to know whether or not this is a serious concern, but if he's been manipulating on court stuff to improve his gambling situation, that IS something that would be a nonstarter.

It's entirely possible that there is no hard mechanism preventing Beasley from being signed right now, and it's stuff like this that's holding teams back. Again, we really don't know. This is an information-poor situation, which is why we've collectively been chasing our tails for the last couple months.

[the_l_train]

If he comes back, there clearly wasn’t enough evidence on the gambling front…and my guess is the current guys know Beasley not the sharpest tool in the shed.

Wasn’t there a report about his paychecks being garnished last year? If that is the case, seems like TL would be well aware that the dude has money issues, but was still willing to offer him big $$$. His skillset makes you willing to look the other way at some dumbass tendencies.

At this point, he is more of a “nice to have” piece, and Trajan did a decent job with backfilling if he happens to bounce. Luckily, Lavert and Duncan can play more than just shooting guard, and I think JB clever enough to come up with a scheme to plug him back in.

Welcome him back with open arms, but if he goes to NY or Cleveland, he’s dead to me.

(Seeing on wiretap the Knicks want Brogdon or Shamet for final roster spot….good sign!)

[the_l_train]

More breadcrumbs here:

Read on Twitter

Duren and Cade in Rome, where Beasley has been for the last 2 weeks…and per the first comment, Malik posted about this and quickly deleted…

Keep scrolling down, and videos posted of them all hanging out…doubt Malik sending cryptic posts about being near his decision if he is about to bail on these guys.

Call me Pablo Torre.

[Canadafan]

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DOZpoxbDNhk/?igsh=MXUxcGF4dmg5NzdiNQ==

Read on Twitter

?t=-CrCYWiWLD7NQ8ZyRZkI6A&s=19

[zeebneeb]

Yeah, its looking likely that Beasley is gonna be back in the fold, and I believe that the Pistons are waiting for the final word from the league, as they are doing their own investigation.

I sure hope so, because the added depth Beasley adds, is insane, and makes possible some really potent offensive lineups, as well the ability to go to the hot shooter on a nightly basis.

[bstein14]

If we do resign Beasley to a 1 year $7.2 million deal, we'll have his early-bird rights next summer which means we could sign him to a 2-4 year deal starting at 105% of the MLE next summer.

$15.75 mil
$17.00 mil
$18.25 mil
$19.50 mil
Total 4 years $70.5 million

If he plays great, keeps out of any trouble at all, and helps us win a playoff series this is the type of payday he could potentially earn with 9 months of being a model teammate and person on and off the court. He's got a lot riding on making this 1 year deal work.

[Canadafan]

^^^^so over 5 yrs $77.7mil
Whereas if he had signed the full MLE for 3 yrs, that was $42mil. Means the following 2yrs he would have needed $17.5 each year to equal the same thing. Pretty great deal for him. Could all work out better for him actually

[Billl]

according to espn, the league had their own investigation into beasley and it's wrapping up. That will be the last step, so hopefully he's cleared to play soon.

"The league investigation is believed to be in its final stages, according to a source familiar with the matter."
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46215307/nba-investigating-free-agent-malik-beasley-gambling

[Snakebites]

according to espn, the league had their own investigation into beasley and it's wrapping up. That will be the last step, so hopefully he's cleared to play soon.

"The league investigation is believed to be in its final stages, according to a source familiar with the matter."
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46215307/nba-investigating-free-agent-malik-beasley-gambling

Wonder how long "final stages" are. We should know more soon-ish. Who knows when that is.

I don't put much store into Beasley and Cade/Duren being in Rome at the same time. That could mean nothing at all.

Wait for the real facts. Always.

[the_l_train]

according to espn, the league had their own investigation into beasley and it's wrapping up. That will be the last step, so hopefully he's cleared to play soon.

"The league investigation is believed to be in its final stages, according to a source familiar with the matter."
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46215307/nba-investigating-free-agent-malik-beasley-gambling

Wonder how long "final stages" are. We should know more soon-ish. Who knows when that is.

I don't put much store into Beasley and Cade/Duren being in Rome at the same time. That could mean nothing at all.

Wait for the real facts. Always.

You don't think there is any correlation with Beasley partying with Pistons players in Rome, and simultaneously posting that his decision is coming soon (while literally hanging out with these dudes?).

I get waiting for the facts but ya gotta admit that it's more than likely he is leaning toward Detroit just based on those breadcrumbs alone. If this investigation has been on-going, he must have some sort of heads up that its in the final stages and that he expects to be in the clear.

[Snakebites]

according to espn, the league had their own investigation into beasley and it's wrapping up. That will be the last step, so hopefully he's cleared to play soon.

"The league investigation is believed to be in its final stages, according to a source familiar with the matter."
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/46215307/nba-investigating-free-agent-malik-beasley-gambling

Wonder how long "final stages" are. We should know more soon-ish. Who knows when that is.

I don't put much store into Beasley and Cade/Duren being in Rome at the same time. That could mean nothing at all.

Wait for the real facts. Always.

You don't think there is any correlation with Beasley partying with Pistons players in Rome, and simultaneously posting that his decision is coming soon (while literally hanging out with these dudes?).

I get waiting for the facts but ya gotta admit that it's more than likely he is leaning toward Detroit just based on those breadcrumbs alone. If this investigation has been on-going, he must have some sort of heads up that its in the final stages and that he expects to be in the clear.

All I’ve seen is pictures of Cade and Duren and reports that Beasley is in the city too.

And if they were hanging out that's an indication that the players themselves are on good terms. It doesn't necessarily mean the team is ready to move forward and that it is the fit Beasley sees as ideal. There's still other possible factors there. Lebron and Wade still vacationed together after he left Miami.

[Cowology]

Wonder how long "final stages" are. We should know more soon-ish. Who knows when that is.

I don't put much store into Beasley and Cade/Duren being in Rome at the same time. That could mean nothing at all.

Wait for the real facts. Always.

You don't think there is any correlation with Beasley partying with Pistons players in Rome, and simultaneously posting that his decision is coming soon (while literally hanging out with these dudes?).

I get waiting for the facts but ya gotta admit that it's more than likely he is leaning toward Detroit just based on those breadcrumbs alone. If this investigation has been on-going, he must have some sort of heads up that its in the final stages and that he expects to be in the clear.

All I’ve seen is pictures of Cade and Duren and reports that Beasley is in the city too.

And if they were hanging out that's an indication that the players themselves are on good terms. It doesn't necessarily mean the team is ready to move forward and that it is the fit Beasley sees as ideal. There's still other possible factors there. Lebron and Wade still vacationed together after he left Miami.

Active Investgation = High Risk
Closed Investgation = Low Risk (assuming he's cleared)

This seems fairly straight fwd. Everything hinges on the league concluding their own investigation. Then he's either banned-for-life OR becomes low-risk/high-reward on the open market. That's when it actually gets interesting. As of right now absolutely nothing has changed other than some online chatter.

[the_l_train]

Wonder how long "final stages" are. We should know more soon-ish. Who knows when that is.

I don't put much store into Beasley and Cade/Duren being in Rome at the same time. That could mean nothing at all.

Wait for the real facts. Always.

You don't think there is any correlation with Beasley partying with Pistons players in Rome, and simultaneously posting that his decision is coming soon (while literally hanging out with these dudes?).

I get waiting for the facts but ya gotta admit that it's more than likely he is leaning toward Detroit just based on those breadcrumbs alone. If this investigation has been on-going, he must have some sort of heads up that its in the final stages and that he expects to be in the clear.

All I’ve seen is pictures of Cade and Duren and reports that Beasley is in the city too.

And if they were hanging out that's an indication that the players themselves are on good terms. It doesn't necessarily mean the team is ready to move forward and that it is the fit Beasley sees as ideal. There's still other possible factors there. Lebron and Wade still vacationed together after he left Miami.

OK, just super odd timing to send your cryptic announcement that you may jump ship when you are partying with your former teammates.

Not to sound like Beasley, but wish I could put money on this.

[Invictus88]

You don't think there is any correlation with Beasley partying with Pistons players in Rome, and simultaneously posting that his decision is coming soon (while literally hanging out with these dudes?).

I get waiting for the facts but ya gotta admit that it's more than likely he is leaning toward Detroit just based on those breadcrumbs alone. If this investigation has been on-going, he must have some sort of heads up that its in the final stages and that he expects to be in the clear.

All I’ve seen is pictures of Cade and Duren and reports that Beasley is in the city too.

And if they were hanging out that's an indication that the players themselves are on good terms. It doesn't necessarily mean the team is ready to move forward and that it is the fit Beasley sees as ideal. There's still other possible factors there. Lebron and Wade still vacationed together after he left Miami.

OK, just super odd timing to send your cryptic announcement that you may jump ship when you are partying with your former teammates.

Not to sound like Beasley, but wish I could put money on this.

There's a video floating around that shows the three of them together (Beasley is in the back right, Duren at the right and Cade very briefly is in the immediate foreground at the right before it pans past him).
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/rsm-hg0ugag

And yeah. If Cade and Duren are choosing to spend their free time with him this offseason then that doesn't jive at all with concerns about locker room problems, etc...

[the_l_train]

This reddit post image encapsulates the mood of this thread perfectly: https://www.reddit.com/r/DetroitPistons/s/CkSkpH0OJx

I’d post the image here if I were a rocket scientist.

[zeebneeb]

This reddit post image encapsulates the mood of this thread perfectly: https://www.reddit.com/r/DetroitPistons/s/CkSkpH0OJx

I’d post the image here if I were a rocket scientist.

Thats about the gist of it

Another thing that is also being overlooked, is that if Beasley does rejoin the team, at the trade deadline, if there is a player the Pistons want, and is available, to put next to Cade, they are gonna have a ton of trade bait.