Malik Beasley has been surrounded by the game of basketball for as long as he can remember. Growing up in Alpharetta, Georgia, Malik remembers being inspired to play the game after learning about his dad's professional career overseas—in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico—and watching him from a young age play in leagues around Atlanta. This was just the start. As he began to learn more about the ins and outs of the game, Malik developed a unique interest in basketball and became determined to one day play at the professional level. A goal that was ignited and solidified during his time in high school. Throughout his sophomore year, Malik recalls the 6:00 a.m. workouts he would participate in before school to expand his basketball IQ and develop his game. He was unstoppable. Determined to strengthen his skills on the court and reach his dreams of one day playing in the NBA, Malik developed a strong work ethic fueled by his love for the game. Upon graduating from St. Francis, Malik embarked on his collegiate career at Florida State University and continued to elevate his game further. He was on a mission. After his freshman year, Malik decided to forego his remaining college eligibility and declare for the 2016 NBA Draft.
This was it. This was his opportunity to turn his childhood dream—and one he had been working relentlessly towards since he was a kid—to reality. Sure enough, he did just that. With the 19th overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets selected Malik. The rest is history! Despite facing adversity early on in his career, Malik leaned on his passion for the sport and personal drive to navigate through and overcome those challenges. Currently playing with the Utah Jazz in his seventh season in the NBA, Malik continues to leave his mark on the game and foster his legacy on and off the floor. Through his leadership and impact on the court as well as community initiatives and business ventures beyond the game, Malik hopes his journey inspires the next generation to work hard, remain focused, and always go after their dreams; because with grit and resilience, anything is possible!
Let’s talk about your journey early on! After your high school career, you went to Florida State. How was that transition from high school to college like for you?
It was really tough; both transitions from high school to college and college to the NBA. You know, that was like solidifying that I'm playing against older men and real men now—not like high school kids and stuff like that. Some college people got kids, some college people have been there for four years, are 24 (years old) and I’m 17-18 going into college. Lifting weights was tough, definitely learning how to live on my own was tough. You know, I grew up with great parents—my mom made us gourmet meals every night—and had that blessing. So I had to learn how to make my own food and things like that. It was a tough transition, but it was the right transition. I needed everything to grow and learn more about myself. I had the perfect coaches to help me (as well)—Coach Leonard Hamilton at Florida State, Coach Dennis Gates, Coach Charlton Young, and all of those guys.
We have to talk about taking that next step, especially with Draft Night! You were selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 19th pick in the 2016 NBA Draft. What was that moment like of hearing your name being called and achieving your dreams of playing at the professional level?
Man, I had been chasing that dream my whole life, you know? Not only for myself, but for my dad to have that experience. He never played in the NBA. We always told each other we are half of each other—that's my other half. The reason I wear No. 5 is because he wore No. 10 when he played basketball, so he's my other half. I just wanted to do that for my family. I wanted to provide for my family. I wanted to stop my parents from working so hard—they worked their whole lives trying to get me into the best high school at St. Francis and it wasn't easy. We didn't have the money to do that, but my dad and mom grinded it out and I just wanted to pay back all the favors that they did for me. Also, just for the love of the game. I didn't want to just be in the league just to be in the league. I wanted to be great. I wanted to be one of the best, you know? There's a lot of guys who would give a lot for these opportunities, and I've been presented with some of those opportunities. I did the best I could with that, and I just want to continue working hard and learning the game. It's been a blessing.
You briefly touched on that transition from college to the NBA earlier in our conversation. Diving more into that journey, what were some challenges that you faced early on as you began your career in the league and how did you work to overcome them?
My whole freshman year, I played on a hairline stress fracture and I didn't find that out until after. I kept asking why my shins were hurting and why my shins had been hurting throughout the season. I finally got an X-ray and I had a hairline stress fracture. I had to get surgery and it was right after I had already declared for the Draft. You know, when you go into the Draft, they do all types of X-rays and stuff. I wanted to know why I was hurting, so I did that and I found that out. I'm probably one of the only NBA players in the whole league to not workout for a team. I've done free throws and spot shots, but I don't think that can solidify working out. I only did that for like two or three teams—that was towards the end of the pre-draft and after I had surgery. I had surgery on April 19th of 2016 I believe, and the Draft is usually in June; so I didn't have too many months. I had to recover really fast and I had to do a whole lot of interviews. You know, people do their research—asked teachers from middle school and high school, asked friends and things like that—and my track record came back good of always being a good person. My character has always been: I care for others more than myself. That helped a lot. Thankfully, Tim Connelly drafted me with the Nuggets and it was a blessing to just be a part of that team. When I got to my rookie year and second year, I was in and out of the G League; and after my rookie season I finally healed 100% to be able to not feel anything after I was done playing. I just got back to who I was and continued to work out. A lot of people said that because I worked out so much, that's why I had a stress fracture so I took it as a positive in a way (*laughs*). Now, I manage it as well as I can. I gotta make sure I get rest. It was definitely a journey my first two years and that's why with the rookies now, I just continue to talk to them like: “Listen, I've been there before. I've been in the G League. It ain't easy bro, but if you love the game and if you love what you do, you prove to the NBA why you are supposed to be in the NBA.” That's what my main goal was—to be as good as I can be.
"Basketball is everything to me and it’s so special because I love it. I love the competitiveness. I love that the little things matter—how to set a certain screen, the footwork you need, (etc). There's a lot that goes into the game. Its physicality…I just love a lot of that; and a lot of it goes in the game besides shooting the basketball. I love the fans getting into it. I love close games where the pressure can push you to make diamonds. You know, I love that. I love the halftime show of the game when I'm watching other games. Just everything; there’s a lot that goes into it and I love everything about (it)."
- Malik on what basketball means to him and why the game is so special.
Transitioning a little bit off the court, let's talk about some of your ventures beyond the game. What are some things that you're passionate about off the court?
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