Nuggets' Malik Beasley voices frustration with his playing time

After a breakout year in 2018-19, it has been an up-and-down season for Malik Beasley in 2019-20. The Nuggets‘ swingman has been in and out of the team’s rotation — for instance, he got a DNP-CD in last Monday’s win before playing 26 minutes in a win on Wednesday. While Beasley would like to have a more regular role, he’s trying to make the most of the opportunities he gets, as Kyle Fredrickson of The Denver Post details.

“I wish it (playing time) was consistent, that’s just me as a player,” Beasley said after last Wednesday’s game. “But I’m happy to contribute to the team and get a win, that’s the most important thing that comes out of every day.”

After acquiring Jerami Grant and getting a healthy Michael Porter Jr. back for this season, the Nuggets have made an already-deep rotation even deeper, resulting in a decline in minutes for some players. Head coach Michael Malone said he understands Beasley’s frustration and admitted that the fourth-year swingman isn’t wrong to believe he should have a bigger role.

“Malik Beasley is sitting there saying, ‘I should be playing more,'” Malone said. “You know what? He’s right. I can’t argue that.”

Beasley, who will be a restricted free agent at season’s end, has been the subject of some trade speculation this season, since he still has long-term value and could be included in a package if Denver makes a play for another impact player. For now, he’ll make the most of the minutes he gets with the Nuggets.

Here’s more out of Denver:

• Beasley isn’t the only RFA-to-be who could be on the trade block in Denver. Mike Singer and Mark Kizsla of The Denver Post make a case for why the Nuggets should seriously consider trading Juan Hernangomez in advance of this year’s deadline. Like Beasley, Hernangomez has had his role dialed back this season, averaging just 11.9 minutes per game after playing 19.4 minutes per game in 2018-19.
• In a separate article for The Denver Post, Mike Singer looks at how the Nuggets built what they believe is one of the strongest locker rooms in the NBA.
• Jerami Grant showed on Sunday with his defense on Kawhi Leonard why the Nuggets made him their big offseason acquisition last summer, writes Eric Spyropoulos of Nuggets.com.
• In case you missed it on Friday, we noted that the Nuggets are one of several teams around the NBA with an open 15-man roster spot.