The Minnesota Timberwolves take another devastating blow that adds to their already bleak season. Shams Charania reports that the�NBA�suspended guard Malik Beasley�“stemming from charges in [the] offseason.”�
Beasley is amidst a breakout season after resigning with the Timberwolves this past offseason. He is averaging 20.5 points, 4.6 rebounds and, 2.5 assists in 33 minutes per game. He is likely in contention for Most Improved Player, but this suspension seriously hampers his case. Beasley has stood out in an injury-filled season for the Wolves.
In December, he pleaded guilty to a felony charge of threats and violence to an incident in September. The court sentenced Beasley to 120 days in prison, which he will serve after the 2020-2021 NBA season. As part of the plea bargain, the court dismissed the felony drug charge.
Between September and his sentencing, the Timberwolves resigned Beasley on a four-year, $60 million deal. The Timberwolves had restricted free agency rights after the Denver Nuggets traded him at last season’s trade deadline.
Beasley came out with a statement when the news about the suspension was made public.
Statement from Timberwolves� Malik Beasley (@Mbeasy5):
“I will take this time to reflect on my decisions.�I apologize to all the great fans out there who have supported me during this difficult time, and I promise I will come back very soon as a better person and player.�
Malik Beasley
The�NBA’s�suspension is separate from the charges brought in court. The league made their investigation into the incident and determined their punishment.
The Wrong Type of Headlines
Earlier this week, the team dismissed Coach Ryan Saunders and replaced him with Raptor’s assistant Chris Finch after a brutal start.
Furthermore, The Wolves’ two key players, Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell haven’t played many games together. Injuries and COVID have decimated the Wolves season.
Beasley was a consistent contributor. Losing him for an extended period is a massive blow to the Wolves, who currently have the worst record in the NBA at 7-26.
