A first round selection via the Milwaukee Bucks in 2022, MarJon Beauchamp's first three seasons in the NBA have not gone according to plan. The wing is currently out of a job after playing for a trio of teams last season, and with no legitimate suitors, his best bet may be to head across the pond for the time being to rebuild his value.
Former Bucks pick could use a year or two overseas
MarJon Beauchamp came into the NBA incredibly raw. While the potential was there for the team to add a potential-filled, lengthy wing, a major roster hole, the Milwaukee Bucks unquestionably reached with this selection. It feels like they've been doing so with countless picks since they struck gold on Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was the definition of a raw prospect, in 2013.
Whether it was due to his lack of individual growth or the Milwaukee Bucks' inability to bring the best out of him, Beauchamp never found his stride. He averaged just 11.4 minutes per game during his time with the Bucks before being traded. In stints with the LA Clippers and New York Knicks, he hardly sniffed the floor, leading to him currently being without a team for next season.
Now, unless someone picks him up on a camp deal or even a two-way contract at the last minute, Beauchamp's NBA future is uncertain. Even if he does receive those offers, how much will they be useful in helping him grow? He needs to go somewhere he can spread his wings and earn legitimate time to showcase what he can bring. That's where spending some time overseas comes into play.
The wing could earn meaningful minutes over there are build up some value. NBA players do it more than ever, with players like Brandon Boston Jr., someone Milwaukee should be keeping tabs on, and Lonnie Walker IV heading over there this summer. They weren't getting NBA offers, so they decided the best course of action if they wanted to eventually return was to spend time where they will play.
There are countless success stories involving NBA players who transitioned overseas and came back to the league. A recent one is Dante Exum, who returned to the NBA in 2023-24 after two years away and become a nice rotation player. It's more than possible for players to find their footing, even after a rough stint to start their NBA careers.
At 24, MarJon Beauchamp is still incredibly young. He's got room to grow, but to do so, he must find the best spot for him. Perhaps that is somewhere in the NBA, but a year away could do him good.
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