Brooklyn Nets: Beau Beech Scouting Report
Beau Beech isn’t an eye-popping prospect for the rebuilding Brooklyn Nets, but he’s an acquisition that brings a powerful skill set as a forward in the NBA: the ability to shoot.
The North Florida product brings a skill set that could keep him on the roster for the time being. After making a good impression on the Brooklyn Nets summer league team, Beech signed a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, closing in on his ultimate dream to become a player in the NBA. The one-year contract gives Beech a chance practice and play against top competition in front of executives and scouts in the NBA.
Before he realized that dream, the undrafted, 6-foot-8 swing-man worked hard in college to prove to the basketball world that he was capable of being a successful player. In his four seasons at UNF, Beech was a big part of the Osprey program, playing 28.7 minutes per game in 133 appearances. Beech made improvements every season under coach Matthew Driscoll, averaging 11.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game. He is the Ospreys’ second leading all-time scorer and the school leader in 3-pointers made.
Beech had to earn his opportunity to join the Brooklyn Nets, and he did all he could to earn it. In five appearances off the bench, Beech averaged 8.8 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game in 19 minutes per game.
The most obvious strength of Beech is his shooting, as he shot 42.4% from three-point his senior year. Further, in his summer league finale, Beech gave a compelling preview of what could be, shooting five for seven behind the arc. This performance in the final game likely had some influence on the Nets’ signing of him.
The Brooklyn Nets have refrained from the three-ball in the past, as they attempted the 4th least three-pointers last season (ESPN). The 3-point shot is becoming more and more popular to the game, and it’s a component that the Nets have never really established. With hard-work and practice, Beech could help establish that game.
While Beech is known for his impressive shooting, it’s important to know that he has the potential to do more than that.
Given the combination of his size and shooting ability, Beech can be a threat down low as a rebounder and post player or behind the arc as a shooter. He’s proven to be a rebounding threat in his young career, as he averaged 6.2 rebounds per game over the course of his final two years of college.
Based on that wide-range of skill, it makes Beech very coachable and it can make it easier for him to fit into a certain scheme or play-style. Beech said he wants to prove to teams that he can do it all, and his size and shooting skill can allow him to do that.
Before that though, Beech has a variety of improvements to make. While his shooting skills are impressive, his inconsistency could be a potential problem in the future.
Beech shot 38% from the field in the summer league, and was 21.7% from three-point before his finale (including the finale, Beech was 33% from three-point). Further, in his five games, Beech had two games where he did not make a three, going 0-3 in one and 0-6 in another. Obviously we know that when Beech finds his stroke he can be lethal, but until then, he can be disappointing.
Additionally, the transition into the NBA could prove to be tough for Beech, as the strength of his competition in college was not as strong as some of the other Nets signings. With that, it can be hard to get a true grasp on what his college numbers will translate to.
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Like a lot of other young players, it’s hard to tell exactly what Beech will be like. He will have his opportunity to prove himself, and that is all some players need. In reality, the Nets have nothing to lose with Beech, and they will have a much clearer image of what his NBA potential could be after his one-year contract expires. Needless to say, though, the kid has potential, so watch out for his name as this season approaches.
Check out his highlights from North Florida: