Steve Nash is gone and it’s rebuilding time in Phoenix.
But that’s a process, and in the interim the points still have to come from somewhere. Alvin Gentry expects that to be Michael Beasley, who has shown little reluctance to shoot the rock.
But through two preseason games Beasley has 24 points and 7 dimes, and he’s trying to facilitate more. Believe it or not, Suns coach Alvin Gentry is a little frustrated about that, tweets Craig Grialou of Arizona Sports 620.
#Suns Gentry wants Beasley more aggressive offensively, “Right now he’s trying to be a pleaser. I really dont want him to be a pleaser.”
— Craig Grialou (@Craig620) October 15, 2012
What’s impressive is that through two games Beasley has hit 9-of-17 shots — that’s insanely efficient for a volume shooter like Beasley. He’s a career 45.5 percent shooter, a guy not known for good shot selection. Two preseason games is no way to tell if he has turned over a new leaf, but do you want the guy to start chucking again?
Gentry needs to be careful what he wishes for.
Not that we don’t expect Beasley to revert to his old form either way. But the Suns can dream.