Despite the Brooklyn Nets exceeding preseason expectations thus far, it has been long rumored that some of their veteran pieces would be dealt. The first transaction occurred on Saturday as Brooklyn dealt guard Dennis Schroder to the Golden State Warriors (also a 2025 second round pick via Miami). In return, the Nets received De’Anthony Melton, Reece Beekman, and three second round picks.
Melton will not be able to showcase his talents for his new team. He is out for the season due to a torn ACL. The player that Nets fans may see in action is the recently-acquired Beekman.
Meet Reece Beekman, Acquired By Nets In Schroder Deal
Reece Beekman Now On Two-Way Deal With Nets
In order to make room for Beekman on a two-way deal, the Nets waived Yongxi Cui. Undrafted in 2024, Cui was on a two-way contract with Brooklyn. Just like Melton, the 21-year-old Cui is now out for the season with a torn ACL.
The Nets now have the 23-year-old Beekman, who also went undrafted in 2024. Shortly after the draft, Golden State added Berkman on a two-way contract. The 6-foot-1 guard has received playing time in just two games for a total of four minutes for Golden State. He scored two points with one rebound, one assist, and a steal.
Beekman has appeared in nine games (seven starts) for the Santa Cruz Warriors of the G League. He has posted averages of 18.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 2.8 steals, and 0.8 blocks. In the G League, Beekman has shot 51.5% from the field, 34.5% from beyond the arc, and 60.0% from the foul line.
Prior to his professional career beginning, Berkman played collegiately for the Virginia Cavaliers. He was well-recognized for his efforts with Virginia, especially on the defensive end. Beekman was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year as both a junior and senior. He made the All-ACC Third Team as a junior and All-ACC Second Team as a senior. During his senior season, Beekman averaged 14.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 6.2 assists, and 2.0 steals.
Nets Have Received Production From Relative Unknowns This Season
It’s certainly unknown how much Beekman will produce for Brooklyn, or if he will spend more time with their G League affiliate, the Long Island Nets. Brooklyn has seen players who aren’t household names help them exceed expectations, so perhaps Beekman can be next.
Jalen Wilson, a late second round pick by the Nets in 2023, is averaging nine points per contest. Trendon Watford, undrafted in 2021, is scoring 8.3 points per outing. Shake Milton, who was a benchwarmer after joining the New York Knicks last season, is playing 16.3 minutes per night and averaging 6.2 points and 2.1 assists.
So maybe there’s an opportunity for Beekman to make an impact, especially since Brooklyn lost Schroder’s 33.6 minutes per game at the guard position. Beekman is known for his defensive chops, which the Nets haven’t shown much of. They are near the bottom of the league, 27th to be exact, with their 117.1 defensive rating.
The Nets are currently 10-15, placing them with the 10th-best record in the Eastern Conference. They next play on Monday at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers.
The post Meet Reece Beekman, Acquired By Nets In Schroder Deal appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.