Michael Beasley knows what it’s like to enter the NBA with a reputation for getting buckets. His advice to Kings rookie Darius Acuff Jr. is to make sure the rest of his game keeps up.
Beasley said on the 3’s and Ones podcast that he agrees with Draymond Green’s suggestion that Acuff get his teammates more involved.
“Draymond’s 100% right,” Beasley said, via Basketball Network’s Shane Garry Acedera. “I would like to see him take, you know, just a little fewer shots because he can do it so well.”
Beasley believes giving up a few attempts could help Acuff build something beyond an impressive scoring average.
“One thing I learned is that in order to sacrifice two, three, or four shots for an assist or for a spurt on defense, you know, it takes you further than what you think 25 points and a loss is going to take you.”
Acuff is averaging 26.2 points and 7.3 assists, leading rookies in both categories. His 22.8 field goal attempts per game are tied with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for second in the NBA. The Kings, though, are 1-10.
Dwyane Wade offered a different perspective, suggesting Sacramento should appreciate having a young guard capable of changing the franchise.
“Instead of talking about his shot attempts, let’s talk about the fact that they got somebody that they can build around that everybody around the league is going to respect,” Wade said.
Acuff’s frustration is already showing, as previously covered by Hoops Wire.
“I’m not a loser, so it’s not fun,” he said. “But as I said, it’s an 82-game season, so hopefully something will stick.”
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