Hoops Habit
Fansided

New York Knicks need to build on Michael Beasley’s confidence

By Ed Easton Jr.

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 27: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 27, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images))
MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 27: Michael Beasley #9 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts in the fourth quarter in Game Six of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Toronto Raptors during the 2017 NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center on April 27, 2017 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)) /
facebooktwitterreddit

On his first day as a member of the New York Knicks, forward Michael Beasley let the press know he is confident heading into the 2017-18 NBA season.

The career of recently signed New York Knicks forward Michael Beasley has had plenty of ups and downs that continue to keep many critics puzzled. His failure to live up to the promise of a former second overall pick and spending most of his career as a journeyman have not quieted his spirit and strong desires to be the best in the league. 

The 28-year-old journeyman addressed the New York media for the first time this week, touching on a variety of topics for the upcoming season. The more interesting component of his conversation was the overall optimism for the team and future with Carmelo Anthony.

Beasley seemed unfazed by the team’s assumed efforts to tank the year for another lottery pick next summer and eventually deal way Anthony before the season begins.

ESPN‘s Ian Begley took note of the interesting press conference with Beasley as he boasted about his game and Anthony being his mentor in New York.

"“If you watch my game, really watch my game, my jab series, all that, I’m literally just Carmelo on the left side of the floor. Like I’ve known Carmelo since I was 13 years old, one of my best friends, one of the best players I’ve ever met. Me and him are from the same area. I can’t wait to play with him.“I’m coming into the Knicks and I’m looking forward to playing with Carmelo. Anything else is the organization and the coaches and him. But I’m actually looking forward to having a great year with Melo and finally being in the playoffs.”"

Anthony is still rumored to be optimistic of a deal getting done very soon that will have him out of New York and possibly on the move to the Houston Rockets. The teams are still stuck in regards to contracts and money, causing the hang up and potentially awkward training camp that may or may not feature Anthony in a Knicks uniform.

Beasley spent part of the summer working out with Anthony along with fellow Knicks teammates, but the personal commitment is very different then the business at hand.

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.

The interesting aspect of the interview is Beasley’s intense amount of confidence in his teammates and seemingly renewed spirit. As he would continue to tell reporters, he intends on giving his all for the Knicks to become winners this season.

"“Whatever I have to do to get us to come together on the floor is what I’m going to do. Do I see us better than a 30-win team in Vegas? Listen, I don’t even go to Vegas. So, yeah, I do. I think we’ve got a position to be not only a playoff team but a 5-, 6-seed team if we do it right.”"

Next: Complete 2017 NBA offseason grades for all 30 teams

The Knicks are still heavy underdogs heading into the new season but maybe Beasley’s kind of wild optimism is what the team needs for a miraculous turnaround. Either way it’s a great preview to many more entertaining Michael Beasley interviews in the New York media’s future.

Home/New York Knicks