As Washington’s top prospects sit, a defensive dynamo is seizing the spotlight. Reece Beekman’s elite playmaking and perimeter shooting are fueling a serious bid for a roster spot.
After the first two games in the NBA Summer League, the Wizards shut down plenty of their talent.
AJ Dybantsa, Tre Johnson, and Will Riley all were announced done for the summer, allowing for opportunities for some players fighting for a spot in the league.
One name has stood out since night one. That name is guard Reece Beekman.
Beekman, 24, searches for an opportunity with Washington following spending the first two years of his career bouncing around the Warriors, Nets, and Magic's organization. In four games this summer, he's become hard to ignore.
The Wizards presumably have two spots locked up of three two-way contract spots. Second-round pick Felix Okpara signed to one, and Jamir Watkins recently re-signed to a new two-way deal. The last spot is occupied by Julian Reese, who joined the Wizards' organization in March.
Two-way contracts are not guaranteed, meaning the Wizards could waive one at any time. There's a strong case that Beekman potentially deserves a spot. Another candidate to steal a spot is guard Seth Trimble.
Beekman has impressed as a pesky, defensive minded guard, who has made life difficult on ball handlers. In four games, he's averaged 2.3 steals per night. This is on-brand with his G-League numbers, which he compiled to two per game.
Beekman, a former two-time All-ACC selection at Virginia, made his mark as a distributor and defensive playmaker. He averaged 6.2 assists per game in his final season. He's distributed the ball well in the Summer League, posting around four assists per game on relatively low usage.
Beekman has shot the ball well from the outside as well. Despite that not normally being a stronger aspect of his skillset, he's shot 44% from three in the Summer League.
What's the case for Beekman to take one of the two-way spots?
It wouldn't hurt for the Wizards to potentially add another defensive-minded guard to develop within the organization. Washington has a plethora of wings in the organization, but guard depth behind Trae Young and Bub Carrington is lacking.
The Wizards would need to feel comfortable with their front court depth. Adding Deandre Ayton via trade and drafting Okpara might be the depth they needed.
For Reese, he made headlines late in the regular season for the Wizards, posting ridiculous rebounding numbers. Reese joined a list accompanied by John Wall as the only rookies in Wizards history to record a double-double. Additionally, he posted a 20-rebound performance. He was one of three players in the last 40 seasons to record 20 or more boards within the first five games of their career.
Reese hasn't flashed as much in the Summer League. In three games, he's been a minus-9 on the floor for the Wizards and even finished as the lower plus-minus in both of Washington's wins.
His minutes have been fairly low, as well. In three games he's averaging just under 14 minutes per night. He's only attempted 1.7 field goal attempts per night, as he's struggled to find opportunities on offense.
Washington's offense should feature heavy amounts of lob opportunities for the bigs. Reese hasn't looked overly comfortable in his lob opportunities this summer. Even if he's taken off his two-way deal, Reese could remain in the organization with the Capital City Go-Go.
Beekman's defensive work has been impressive this summer. Even with some of Washington's expected feature rotation players sitting the rest of the Summer, these fringe players have used the opportunity to fight for their spot.
Beekman appears looked on favorably based on minutes distribution. When Jamir Watkins missed game two after tweaking his knee, they instantly slotted Beekamn into the starting lineup.
If Washington wants to add depth to its guard room with a defensive mind, Beekman could be its guys.
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