Miami Heat: The Michael Beasley Story

Having been sent packing by the Phoenix Suns, Michael Beasley is now a free agent and has the freedom to go anywhere he wants … if he can find a team, that is.

According to Yahoo Sports’ Adrian Wojnarowski, rumor has it that Beasley is headed back to his former team, the Miami Heat, although several reports have claimed that it is merely whispers and there is no truth to the murmurs.

Nonetheless, the troubled son returning to where it all began in order to find himself and get things back on track would be a good story, perhaps one that could have been manufactured in Hollywood. But in this case, I only see it ending badly and here is why.

In a nutshell, Miami’s offensive style of play is basically having a shed-load of shooters surrounding LeBron James and Dwyane Wade in order to create space for them to penetrate and run amok inside. Michael Beasley’s style of play is isolation based. So long story short, he needs the ball in his hands a lot in order to create any significant amount of offense because he can’t do anything else that well. Thus the problem.

If anything, Miami needs another big man to crash the boards, a more consistent, high quality point guard or even a shooter, since they amnestied Mike Miller. None of these things scream Michael Beasley in my book.

Then again, I suppose the Heat could do with an aggressive player who is able to create for himself when Wade and James are both off the court. Only then can I see a role for Beasley.

Don’t forget that Michael Beasley averaged 19.2 points per game in 2010-11 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. (Photo Credit: Keith Allison, Flickr.com)

Although not as potent a scorer as Carmelo Anthony, Michael Beasley’s game does remind me of Melo due to his strength, size, ball-handling ability and versatility when putting the ball in the hole.

At 44 percent, his career field goal percentage may not suggest he is an efficient scorer, but when given the chance to work his man and with his mind in the right place, Beasley can be a nearly unstoppable beast.

Moreover, he can do some damage and in a hurry too, as illustrated by his 10 points per game in just 20 minutes of play  last year–albeit he did have more shots (766) than points (750).

At 24 years old, it’s not ideal but he still has some of that.

However, for all the good Beasley could do for a team offensively, he is a defensive liability and there’s always his “lovely” personality.

Don’t get me wrong, everyone has baggage, but Michael Beasley’s is a little heavier.

Despite getting chance after chance after chance, his volatile personality and general mentality is just too much to deal with. “B-Easy” seems determined to tarnish his once-bright future as he continues to throw it in the face of every positive influence in his career.

The Phoenix Suns went above and beyond to make the Beasley deal work, going so far as to have a counselor/mentor dedicated specifically for the 24-year-old. Former general manager Lance Blanks even tried to have a personal relationship with Michael in order to corral the wilder side of the beast, often meeting him after practice sessions. Their relationship blossomed to the point where they would even play-fight on the court.

But in true Michael Beasley fashion, to thank the team for their efforts, Beasley went and got busted for possession of marijuana and that was the last straw.

With all due respect to Erik Spoelstra, I simply don’t see a scenario in which he and/or the Miami Heat veterans would be able to keep Beasley in check and possibly fulfill the potential that made him the No. 2 overall pick in 2008. Plus, he and Dwyane Wade weren’t exactly a hand-in-glove fit during his previous stint with Miami.

But hey, I guess you’ve got to at least try right? After all, he would be a low risk, possibly high reward player, especially if he manages to slot into the 4 spot in Miami’s small ball rotation. And Erik Spoelstra does have a tendency to defy his doubters and coming out on top, so maybe he can positively influence the 6’10” forward.

However, that’s not to say there aren’t any other possible destinations for Beasley, perhaps the San Antonio Spurs could be a good (if not, better) fit.

Without a shadow of a doubt, San Antonio is the epitome of a high-class organisation. They just always seem to do things the right way, hence their continued success.

Gregg Popovich is arguably the best coach in the NBA and has been for a long time. He is a stickler for perfection and holds everyone equally accountable. If players don’t pull their own weight then he has no issues letting them have it. Just ask Tim Duncan, Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker, all of whom have been on the wrong end of a verbal backlash on numerous occasions, despite being the cornerstones of the franchise.

Maybe that is what Beasley needs, a highly experienced coach with a no-nonsense attitude and a strong veteran ensemble.

Other reports suggest the Los Angeles Lakers may be interested in his services after doubts with Ryan Kelly. Honestly, I can’t wait for that circus as he goes head-to-head with Mike D’Antoni.

Although now that I think about it, the influence of Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash may prove to be fruitful and Beasley may even have a bigger role in L.A. and perhaps thrive under the media scrutiny.

Michael Beasley truly is his own worst enemy.

Although he seemingly regressed last year, many believe he still has the skill and potential, but his bad decision-making coupled with his immaturity may have him out of the NBA for good if he doesn’t drastically alter his lifestyle.

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