Miami Heat: Top 10 NBA Draft picks in franchise history
By Frank Urbina
9. Michael Beasley (SF/PF) — No. 2 pick in 2008 NBA Draft
Career stats (with the Heat during first stint): 159 GP, 14.3 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 1.2 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.5 BPG, 1.6 TOV, 46.1 FG%, 33.3 3P%, 78.6 FT%
Apologies for harping on the same point, but what does it say about the Heat’s luck in the draft that one of the biggest busts ever is still a top-10 pick in the franchise’s history?
(I suppose I could’ve gone with Rasual Butler or Eddie House in this slot but really, would that have been any better?)
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After spending one season dominating at Kansas State, Michael Beasley declared for the 2008 NBA Draft. The Heat, after finishing that year’s campaign 15-67, were ready to land the top overall pick through the lottery. Sadly, that didn’t happen — they ended up with the second selection, behind the Chicago Bulls.
But the pick was celebrated anyway in South Florida. Sure, a chance at Derrick Rose was out the window, but Beasley was gonna be great, too! He averaged 26.2 points, 12.4 rebounds, 1.3 steals and 1.6 blocks in college! There was no way he wouldn’t excel at the next level!
As it would turn out, he didn’t. His ability to rebound did not translate. And his laissez-faire attitude toward defense didn’t help, either. All in all, the two seasons he spent with the Heat (along with the two other short stints in Miami later on in his career) were forgettable.
Oh well. In a weird way, the fact that he disappointed so immensely (and so quickly) sort of opened the doors for the Big Three to come together. But yeah, I agree with what you’re thinking right now: We’re definitely grasping at straws here.