Malik Beasley of the Milwaukee Bucks has surprisingly jumped to the top of the NBA's three-point shooting percentage list this season. As of [date], Beasley is shooting an astounding 47.7 percent from beyond the arc, up from 35.3 percent last season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
This significant improvement has naturally sparked discussion, with some fans attributing it to a change in scenery. Comments such as "LeBron makes his teammates worse" or "shooters forgot how to shoot on the Lakers" highlight this view. However, there are other factors that must be considered before reaching such a conclusion.
First, Beasley's shooting is not completely unprecedented. While not consistently elite, he shot 42.6 percent from three-point range for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2019-20 season. Furthermore, it was just one season in his relatively young career. It may be premature to blame it entirely on his departure from the Lakers.
Additionally, while Beasley's shooting accuracy is excellent, it's also critical to consider the amount of shots he takes. Compared to the league's No. 1 three-point shooter, Stephen Curry, Beasley is shooting five fewer three-pointers per game. While Beasley's three-point shooting percentage is still impressive, direct comparisons that don't take into account the number of shots taken can be misleading.
However, Beasley's hot shooting will certainly be welcomed by the Milwaukee Bucks. His consistent contributions could play a key role in the playoffs, providing valuable spacing and key three-pointers.
All in all, Malik Beasley's sudden jump to the top three-point shooter in the NBA is certainly noteworthy. However, it would be prudent to attribute it solely to the changes in the team. Other factors, including his past shooting record and the disparity in volume compared to other top shooters, should also be taken into consideration. Regardless of the reason, Beasley's newfound accuracy is a valuable asset for the Bucks and something to keep an eye on all season long.