Why Picking Up Michael Beasley Is Good Move For Miami Heat

By Christopher Cruz | Feb 18, 2015

Jun 15, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; Miami Heat forward Michael Beasley (8) reacts on the free throw line during the fourth quarter against the San Antonio Spurs in game five of the 2014 NBA Finals at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

Well, if it isn’t 2008, and Michael Beasley is coming around Miami Heat discussions. Or maybe it is 2013. You mean to tell me that this is the third time that Beasley is possibly joining the Heat? It sort of makes you wonder, when will they learn? It would be a good idea for them to try to pick up Beasley because he would fit into what they are trying to do schematically.

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In years past, I haven’t supported a move to get Beasley on the roster. The reason is because as good an offensive player as he is, he wouldn’t have been able to break into the lineup, especially during the playoffs. He’s a talented player, standing at 6-foort8, and with the ability to shoot from the outside.

The last season in Miami, Beasley shot nearly 39 percent from three-point range. With the Minnesota Timberwolves, he averaged 19 points per game. That being said, he is able to take bigger players off the dribble, and back down smaller defenders.

He has lacked on the defensive end though. This was part of the reason why he couldn’t get off the bench during the playoffs. But this year is different. This year, the Heat need someone who can step in and score off the bench. If you’ve watched them this season, you know that the Heat have struggled incredibly this season.

A part of that is the fact that they play at the slowest pace out of any team in the league. As a result, they allow the least amount of points in the league. They have struggled to outscore opponents, and are now sitting below .500.

If they are able to get to .500, it seems as though Miami will make the playoffs. And with the growing skill on the roster (mainly due to the emergence of Hassan Whiteside), Miami will be a force in the playoffs if their health permits. Adding Beasley would be a great help in that effort.

The Heat now have Danny Granger coming off the bench, and while he has been valuable for the team, giving them defense and three-point shooting, he isn’t able to find his own shot. Beasley is able to find his own shot. He can get to the rim, thanks to his athleticism. He can get around most defenders. And he can also stop for a jump shot. That is what makes him valuable to this team.

The Heat will probably make the playoffs without Beasley, thanks to the addition to Whiteside. Getting healthy should be their biggest priority. But once they do make the playoffs, they are still going to need a player that will be able to score off the bench. They are nearly last in scoring this season.

Against the Houston Rockets last year, he scored 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting from the field. Against the Detroit Pistons, he scored 23 points on 9-of-16 shooting from the field. Miami fans know that Beasley can score. And the real question they have to ask themselves is, where else is the scoring going to come from?

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