Phoenix Suns: Why Michael Beasley Will Be An Offensive Force
Michael Beasley is a talented basketball player and that’s never been the question. The Phoenix Suns inked him to a three-year, $18 million contract in hopes he’s left his immaturity behind and can focus on basketball.
In an interview with ESPN, Beasley had this to say in reference to his previous marijuana use:
“I realize 10 minutes of feeling good is not really worth putting my life and my career and my legacy in jeopardy,” he said, “so I’m confident to say that part of my career, that part of my life, is over and won’t be coming back.”
A quick look at Beasley’s stats illustrate just how talented he is and how he can perform when given the chance. With the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2010-11 season, he averaged 19.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.2 assists while starting 73 games and playing 32.3 minutes per game.
| Season | Tm | G | GS | MP | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | ORB | DRB | TRB | AST | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008-09 | MIA | 81 | 19 | 24.8 | 5.6 | 11.8 | .472 | 0.4 | 1.0 | .407 | 2.3 | 3.0 | .772 | 1.4 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 1.5 | 2.3 | 13.9 |
| 2009-10 | MIA | 78 | 78 | 29.8 | 6.0 | 13.3 | .450 | 0.4 | 1.3 | .275 | 2.5 | 3.1 | .800 | 1.6 | 4.8 | 6.4 | 1.3 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 14.8 |
| 2010-11 | MIN | 73 | 73 | 32.3 | 7.7 | 17.1 | .450 | 0.8 | 2.2 | .366 | 3.0 | 4.0 | .753 | 1.6 | 4.0 | 5.6 | 2.2 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 2.7 | 3.0 | 19.2 |
| 2011-12 | MIN | 47 | 7 | 23.1 | 4.7 | 10.6 | .445 | 0.8 | 2.1 | .376 | 1.3 | 2.0 | .642 | 0.8 | 3.6 | 4.4 | 1.0 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 1.7 | 1.8 | 11.5 |
| Career | 279 | 177 | 27.9 | 6.1 | 13.4 | .455 | 0.6 | 1.6 | .355 | 2.4 | 3.1 | .759 | 1.4 | 4.2 | 5.6 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 1.9 | 2.5 | 15.1 |
He’s been accused (and rightfully so) of being a one-way player and conserving energy on the defensive end. While I don’t see any reason for that to change, especially in the Suns uptempo offense, at least he won’t have the pressure and expectation to perform on the defensive end.
It’s really too bad that Beasley couldn’t have played with Steve Nash, but Goran Dragic will do a serviceable job in getting Beasley into situations where he can succeed.
The addition of Luis Scola takes even more pressure off of Beasley because he won’t have to crash the boards nearly as much. Beasley can play the small forward and at 6’9″, he’s going to tower over most of his defenders.
It’s not out of the question to expect Beasley to match or surpass his career highs this year. I’m expecting him to go for 20 points and five rebounds per game.
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Michael Dunlap
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