Malik JonMikal Beasley is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Detroit Pistons in the NBA. Born on November 26, 1996, in Atlanta, Georgia, Beasley is known for his sharpshooting, scoring ability, and record-setting three-point performances. Over his career, he has played for multiple NBA teams, including the Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Milwaukee Bucks.
Quick Facts of Malik Beasley
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Malik JonMikal Beasley |
| Date of Birth | November 26, 1996 |
| Age | 28 years (as of 2024) |
| Place of Birth | Atlanta, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) |
| Weight | 187 lb (85 kg) |
| High School | St. Francis (Alpharetta, Georgia) |
| College | Florida State (2015–2016) |
| NBA Draft | 2016, 1st round, 19th overall by Denver Nuggets |
| Position | Shooting guard |
| Current Team | Detroit Pistons (2024–2025) |
| Career Highlights | ACC All-Freshman Team (2016) |
| Children | Two |
| Spouse | Montana Yao (divorcing 2025) |
Early Life and Family
Malik Beasley grew up in Atlanta, Georgia, and attended St. Francis School in Alpharetta, where he became a standout basketball player. His grandfather, John Beasley, was an actor known for his role in the movie Rudy. Malik was highly recruited as a four-star prospect, ultimately choosing Florida State University over schools like UConn, UCLA, and Wake Forest.
College Career
Beasley played one season at Florida State (2015–16), averaging 15.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game. He earned All-Freshman ACC honors and became the first player in FSU history to declare for the NBA draft after a single season—a true “one-and-done” prospect.
Professional Career
Denver Nuggets (2016–2020)
Drafted 19th overall in 2016, Beasley had limited minutes his first two seasons. By his third year, he averaged over 11 points per game, including a career-high 35 points against the Houston Rockets in 2019.
Minnesota Timberwolves (2020–2022)
Traded to Minnesota in February 2020, Beasley became a starter, averaging 19.9 points in his first season and breaking the Timberwolves’ single-season three-point record with 240 made threes in 2022. He also set a record for most points in a game solely from three-pointers with 33 points.
Utah Jazz (2022–2023)
Traded to the Jazz in July 2022, Beasley debuted with 15 points and five rebounds in a win over his former team, the Nuggets.
Los Angeles Lakers (2023)
Beasley joined the Lakers in February 2023 but became a free agent in June 2023 after the team declined his option.
Milwaukee Bucks (2023–2024)
Signed with the Bucks in July 2023, he scored a season-high 30 points in November 2023 and participated in the 2024 NBA Three-Point Contest.
Detroit Pistons (2024–2025)
Beasley signed with Detroit in July 2024. He set a Pistons franchise record with 212 three-pointers in the 2024–25 season and played all 82 games, averaging 16.3 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game. He finished second in voting for Sixth Man of the Year.
Personal Life
Beasley has two children with his wife Montana Yao, whom he is divorcing in 2025. He also had a brief on-and-off relationship with TV personality Larsa Pippen.
Legal Issues
Beasley has faced legal challenges:
- September 2020: Arrested for marijuana possession and brandishing a firearm.
- December 2020: Pleaded guilty to making a threat of violence; served 78 days of a 120-day jail sentence.
- June 2025: Under federal investigation for gambling and placing prop bets on NBA games.
Career Highlights and Records
- ACC All-Freshman Team (2016)
- Timberwolves single-season three-point record (240, later surpassed in 2025)
- Pistons franchise record for three-pointers in a season (212)
- Career-high 36 points vs. Philadelphia 76ers
