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Houston Rockets: Michael Beasley Solidifying Power Forward Spot

By Kenneth Teape

Mar 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Michael Beasley (8) celebrates with guard James Harden (13) after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 116-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 18, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets forward Michael Beasley (8) celebrates with guard James Harden (13) after making a basket during the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Toyota Center. The Rockets won 116-111. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Houston Rockets have been looking unsuccessfully for production at power forward throughout the season but are finally getting it from Michael Beasley.

Throughout the 2015-16 season, the Houston Rockets have struggled to find much consistency and production at the power forward spot. Whether it be inconsistent play or injuries, it has been a black hole for the Rockets, and is a big reason for their struggles throughout the season. They have tried a number of different players and lineup combinations, but nothing was clicking.

That was the case until recently, as the Rockets have finally found some production at power forward in the form of Michael Beasley. Beasley started the season in the Chinese Basketball Association, where he dominated with averages of 28.6 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. The Rockets shortly signed him after the CBA season ended, and he as brought that same production over to the Rockets thus far.

Despite signing with the team only about two weeks ago, Beasley has already earned himself a prominent role in the rotation. He played only 13 minutes combined in the first three games on the roster, but since then he has played at least 15 minutes in the following five games and has made the most of the opportunity given to him.

Beasley is stuffing the stat sheet despite the relatively low minutes, as he is averaging 15.4 points per game in the last five games despite playing only 20.4 minutes per game. He is also controlling the paint while on the court, grabbing at least six rebounds in four of those five games.

It has greatly helped the Rockets, as they have finally found some consistency in the frontcourt off the bench. The combination of Terrence Jones, Josh Smith and Clint Capela was just not getting it done, as they did not bring any consistency to the court.

Beasley has his own shortcomings, such as the effort level defensively, but whenever he is on the court you know what you are going to get: a lot of scoring and gaudy rebounding numbers. The same cannot be said for the other options the Rockets have at power forward, which is why Beasley has found himself in such a prominent role in a short period of time.

It is a small sample size, but the production that Beasley has given the Rockets thus far has been a great boost. His Player Efficiency Rating of 26.5 is extremely productive, as his scoring and rebounding stats will be strong no matter how many minutes that he gets.

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The Rockets are hoping that Beasley can continue providing those strong scoring and rebounding numbers as they are finally getting the production they have been looking for all season from a power forward.

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