Kevin Durant is often hailed as the most gifted scorer in NBA history—a sentiment rarely debated given his versatility, size, and efficiency. In a league filled with elite offensive talent, few rival his ability to get a bucket in any setting. But when New York Knicks swingman Josh Hart was asked who he’d trust most in a one-on-one scoring situation, he didn’t choose Durant. He didn’t go with Stephen Curry or even former teammate LeBron James either. Instead, he pointed to an unexpected name: Malik Beasley.
Hart made the bold statement during a recent episode of The Roommates Show, co-hosted by his Knicks teammate Jalen Brunson. When asked who he’d want to score with the game on the line, Hart didn’t hesitate to name Beasley, with whom he played during the 2018–19 season on the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I really think—at least that I’ve seen—he is the most talented person I’ve ever seen touch a basketball,” Hart said. Brunson pushed back with a quick reminder: “And you played with Bron.”
“Yeah, but like, in terms of ‘go get a bucket’… I think—look, NBA KD is the best scorer ever. But if it’s check rock, one-on-one, go get a bucket? I’m taking [Beasley] over KD. The way he gets wherever he wants, athletic as hell, he’s a shot maker. I see him every summer. I work out with him in the summer. We play pro-ams in the summer together. Bro, in terms of one-on-one—check rock, I’ma go get a bucket—he’s up there,” Hart explained.
Malik Beasley #5 of the Detroit Pistons jumps in celebration after scoring a 3-point basket against the Cleveland Cavaliers
Peer respect vs public narrative
What makes Hart’s pick so fascinating isn’t just the element of surprise—it’s the behind-the-scenes perspective. Hart’s ongoing connection with Beasley extends beyond their time as Lakers teammates. From summer workouts to pro-am battles, Hart has seen a version of Beasley most fans haven’t. It’s in these settings—away from bright lights and cameras—where raw talent tends to reveal itself most clearly.
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There’s a unique kind of respect that exists among NBA players, often disconnected from media hype or stat sheets. It’s earned through competition, effort, and consistency in environments that don’t show up on national TV. Beasley, a player with a solid career but far from superstar billing, seems to be one of those players whose game commands quiet respect from his peers.
Hart’s endorsement doesn’t just elevate Beasley—it highlights how different the internal conversations among NBA players can be. While the world debates MVPs and All-NBA nods, in private gyms and summer leagues, players like Beasley are earning their stripes in ways the public rarely sees.
And when someone like Hart—who’s gone toe-to-toe with the game’s biggest names—makes that kind of call, it’s worth listening. Because sometimes, the most lethal scorers aren’t the ones on your screen—they’re the ones cooking everyone in silence.
