One can say Michael Beasley is a lot of things, most of them negative. One thing one can’t say though is that he is not talented.
In his second, non-guaranteed, tenure with the Miami Heat, the 24-year old forward is gradually showing his true value and the potential he has to help the team move forward. The recent injury of Udonis Haslem and the illness of Ray Allen, have allowed Beasley to see more minutes than just garbage time. That was enough for him to showcase his abilities.
Beasley has now appeared in three out of the eight games the Miami Heat have played in the 2013-2014 season and in 10.7 minutes per game he is averaging 11.7 points, 65.2 percent shooting from the field and 66.7 percent from three point range. These numbers might not make jaws drop, however, every Heat fan and everyone around the Heat organization is starting to understand that Michael Beasley can be one big contributor for the team this season.
The biggest change in the versatile forward seems to be on his mindset. Beasley now reminds nothing of his old bratty self and seems to be more focused on playing basketball than ever. That’s what his teammates have to say, that’s what the coaching staff states and that’s exactly what he also shows, with his words and with his actions.
Whilst the 6’10” forward hasn’t still gained his full confidence, the presence of superstars like LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh push him to become better. In addition, the entire atmosphere within the defending champions’ organization and the guidance of the coaching staff leads him towards the right path, the one that has been missing ever since he stepped foot in the NBA.
After being shown the exit sign from the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Phoenix Suns and also after several issues with the local police, Beasley re-joined the Miami Heat for just pennies. The former No.2 draft pick currently has a non-guaranteed contract worth the veteran’s minimum.
The Heat hit bull’s-eye with their approach to Beasley. Coming off a three-year contract worth $18 million with the Phoenix Suns, Beasley could find a spot in a team, maybe even for more money. Nevertheless, the Heat chose to force him to earn his contract and his spot in the rotation because that’s exactly what Beasley needed.
Right now, not only has he seen a drastic improvement in his outputs but it seems like he is a different person. No one ever questioned the talent Beasley has. What’s been questioned and for a good reason is his ability to stay out of distractions, adopt a lifestyle that will keep him out of trouble with the police and the state laws and focus on the game. Beasley needed to grow up and finally, he is taking the first steps.
Shall he continue to perform like he did as of lately for the Heat, there is little to no chance Miami lets him go. On the contrary, he can become a huge factor in the team’s course towards a three-peat.
Ron Leyba is the lead editor of FantasyBasketballMoneyLeagues.com, and a LastWordOnSports NBA Analyst. For more of his articles, follow his updates at Google+.
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Main Photo Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
