Malik Beasley is taking an unconventional route in his quest back to the NBA-and it's turning heads.
The 6-foot-4 guard, who last suited up for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022-23 season, has yet to appear in an NBA game this year due to an ongoing league investigation into alleged improper gambling activity. But rather than sit and wait for a resolution, Beasley is betting on himself-literally and figuratively-by heading to Puerto Rico to keep his game sharp and stay on the radar of NBA front offices.
Beasley has officially signed with the Santurce Cangrejeros (Crabbers), a professional team in Puerto Rico’s Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) league. The team is co-owned by Grammy-winning artist Bad Bunny, adding a layer of pop culture intrigue to an already fascinating basketball story. The BSN season tips off in March, giving Beasley a fresh stage to showcase his scoring ability ahead of 2026 NBA free agency.
And make no mistake-Beasley can fill it up.
Before his off-court situation stalled his momentum, the former Florida State standout was putting together a strong campaign with the Detroit Pistons in 2024-25. He averaged 16.3 points per game while shooting an efficient 43.0% from the field and an impressive 41.6% from beyond the arc. He wasn’t just padding stats on a rebuilding team either-Detroit pushed the New York Knicks in a competitive first-round playoff series, and Beasley’s perimeter shooting was a key part of that effort.
His time with the Lakers was shorter and less impactful, but still showed flashes of what he brings to the table. In 14 games during the back half of the 2022-23 season, Beasley averaged 11.1 points while shooting 39.2% from the floor and 35.3% from deep. Not eye-popping numbers, but enough to remind teams that when he’s in rhythm, he can be a dangerous floor spacer.
Now at 29, Beasley is at a crossroads. The BSN stint isn’t just about staying in shape-it’s about proving he still belongs in the league. Puerto Rico offers him a chance to play real minutes, lead a team, and remind scouts and executives of the scoring punch he’s capable of providing off the bench or even in a starting role.
It’s a calculated move that could pay off big. If Beasley dominates in Puerto Rico, it won’t just be a feel-good comeback story-it could be his ticket back to the NBA.