2017 NBA free agency grades: Knicks add Michael Beasley

The New York Knicks signed former No. 2 overall pick Michael Beasley this offseason. What will Beasley add to the roster as they enter a rebuilding season.

The New York Knicks continue to make interesting moves this  summer as they add another veteran looking for another fresh start. The signing of Michael Beasley for the reported veteran’s minimum provides New York with another body upfront to eventually replace perennial All-Star Carmelo Anthony.

As the status of Anthony continues to hang in limbo without any new news regarding trade talks, the Knicks took the initiative in acquiring Beasley. The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft hasn’t lived up to potential thus far in his NBA career. His poor play and off-the-court issues have made him a risk for several teams throughout his journey around the league.

Beasley has bounced around to several teams since being drafted by the Miami Heat after former Knicks guard Derrick Rose went No. 1 overall. Beasley’s stops during his nine seasons include the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls, Phoenix Suns, Houston Rockets and the Milwaukee Bucks last year. In his lone year with Milwaukee, Beasley averaged 9.4 points per contest while only appearing in 56 games primarily as a bench player.

Beasley’s efficiency off the bench in only 16.7 minutes per game made him instant offense that helped to propel the Bucks to a playoff appearance. Bucks coach Jason Kidd gave his thoughts on Beasley after acquiring him via trade.

"“He can score the ball, He can play multiple positions.“He helps us with talking, having a voice. He understands how to play the game.“He’s been on a journey that has taken him different places. I think that’s a great story for him to share with our younger guys, to understand you could be in this league, out of this league. Hard work will only get you back in.”"

Beasley would be a welcomed addition for a Knicks team that will need extra scoring off the bench, assuming Anthony is dealt before the season begins. The desire to put the ball in the basket has always played a big role in Beasley’s game and has continued to keep teams interested until they realize his shortcomings defensively. The Knicks should not rely on Beasley to be a complete player as his strongest contribution will need to be a quick spark scorer.

Another knock that has followed the former Kansas State star is his maturity on and off the court. Whether it was decisions during games or being arrested on several occasions, Beasley needed an immediate image change. Veteran guard Jason Terry was Beasley’s teammate this past season in Milwaukee and shared his thoughts on his new mature attitude last November with Sirius XM NBA Radio.

"“What happened to him is he was humbled by the experience when he was without the NBA, He had to go over to China and play for a season. It’s different. It’s a reality check. It’s like, you were very blessed to play in this league and that was taken away from you.“So when you come back, all of a sudden you mature very fast. Early on in his career, he was not mature. He had all the physical and athletic ability to play this game, but he lacked in the maturity department. I’ve seen a difference last year in Houston when he was there for his three months’ time.”"

New York will almost certainly keep an eye on Beasley’s character while trying to figure out a way to make him fit amongst the many wing players already on the roster.

Next: 2017 NBA free agency tracker - Grades for every deal so far

Either way, for only a one-year deal at the veteran’s minimum, which is about $2.1 million, the Knicks made a decent investment.

Grade: B-